Weed control and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Field trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Kwara State University, Malete, to determine the weed control method that will be more effective in controlling weeds and give higher grain yield and cash returns in the production of maize. The experiment consisted of 9 treatments: Primextra + Aminicome at 1.5 + 1.5 kg ha-1 (metolachlor 375 g a.i. ha-1 + atrazine 375 g a.i. ha-1 + 2,4 – D 900 g a.i. ha-1), Primextra + Aminicome at 2.0 + 2.0 kg ha-1 (metolachlor 500 g a.i. ha-1 + atrazine 500 g a.i. ha-1 + 2,4 – D 1200 g a.i. ha-1), Primextra + Aminicome at 2.5 + 2.5 kg ha-1 (metolachlor 750 g a.i. ha-1 + atrazine 750 g a.i. ha-1 + 2,4 – D 1500 g a.i. ha-1), Primextra + Guard force at 1.5 + 0.03 kg ha-1 (metolachlor 375 g a.i. ha-1 + atrazine 375 g a.i. ha-1 + nicosulfuron 1.2 g a.i. ha-1 ), Primextra + Guard force at 2.0 + 0.05 kg ha-1 (metolachlor 500 g a.i. ha-1 + atrazine 500 g a.i. ha-1 + nicosulfuron 2.0 g a.i. ha-1), Primextra + Guard force at 2.5 + 0.07 kg ha-1 (metolachlor 750 g a.i. ha-1 + atrazine 750 g a.i. ha-1 + nicosulfuron 2.8 g a.i. ha-1), Primextra at 1.5 kg ha-1 (metolachlor 375 g a.i. ha-1 + atrazine 375 g a.i. ha-1) + one supplementary hoe weeding (SHW) at 6 weeks after sowing (WAS), two hand weedings at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing (WAS) and a weedy check. These treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using the Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) package, after which means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results showed that treatment combinations of Primextra at 1.5 Kg ha-1 + one SHW at 6 WAS, two hoe weedings at 3 and 6 WAS, Primextra + Aminicome at 2.0 + 2.0 kg ha-1 and Primextra + Guard force at 2.0 + 0.05 kg ha-1 gave effective weed control, higher grain yield and cash returns. They are therefore recommended for application in rotation by farmers in Malete.