Weed competition in irrigated cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in the Sudan Gezira |
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Authors: | D S H DRENNAN E A JENNINGS† |
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Institution: | Department of Agricultural Botany, Plant Science Laboratories, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 2AS, U.K.;Lilly Research Centre, Erl Wood Manor, Windlesham, Surrey, GU20 6PH, U.K. |
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Abstract: | Losses of crop yield due to weed competition in unweeded plots averaged nearly 60% of weed-free yields in cotton and 70% in groundnuts. Weed competition was not directly related to weed groundcover but was dependent on the seasonal growing conditions. The critical period of weed competition in both crops was the 6 weeks between 4 and 10 weeks after crop emergence. During this period cotton could tolerate up to 25% weed groundcover without appreciable loss in crop yield. Groundnuts could tolerate not more than 10% weed cover before yield loss occurred. A main factor in achieving standards of weed control within these limits was preventing the early growth of monocotyledonous weed species: pre-sowing application of trifluralin and benfiuralin provided this over a wide range of growing conditions. |
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