WEED PARAMETERS AS AFFECTED BY INTRA-ROW SPACING AND WEED CONTROL METHODSIN KENAF (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.) IN SUDAN SAVANNA ZONE MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted during the 2018 and 2019 raining seasons to determine the effects of weed parameters as affected by intra-row spacing and weed control methods in sudan savanna, Maiduguri Nigeria. Treatments were laid out on strip-plot design replicated three times. Weed parameters measured included weed cover score (1-9), weed height, weed dry matter and weed control efficiency. Results revealed that intra-row spacing did not record significant difference on weed parameters on weed cover score at 3, 6 and 9 WAS, weed height and weed dry weight in both years and mean, weed control methods showed significant difference by having highest weed cover (8.94) at Pendimethalin at 0.5 Kg a.i./ha and weedy check. Tallest weeds (85.41 cm) and heaviest weed dry weight (0.86 t/ha) were recorded at Pendimethalin at 2.5 Kg a.i/ha and weedy check. Intra-row spacing was only significant in the year 2019 were 15 cm intra-row spacing had the most efficient weed control (65.62%), weed control methods significantly recorded most efficient weed control by manual weeding at 3, 6 and 9 WAS (99.05%) which is statistically the same with application of Butachlor at 1.5-2.5 Kg a.i./ha (83.96-89.96%).