Purple witchweed (Striga hermonthica) germination and seedbank depletion under different crops,fallow, and bare soil

Seedbank density is an important aspect that determines the amount of damage that the parasitic weed, purple witchweed (Striga hermonthica; hereafter, called “Striga”), causes on its crop hosts. The seedbank depletion of Striga was measured in Mali and Niger during the 2004 rainy season under the host crops, pearl millet and sorghum, the non‐host crops, cowpea and sesame, the intercrops of pearl millet or sorghum with cowpea or sesame, and fallow with or without weeding. Two methods were used and compared; namely, a seed bag method and a soil‐sampling method. The fate of the seeds was assessed by a seed press test. Seed germination, as determined by the presence of empty seed coats, contributed most to the seedbank depletion of Striga under a variety of crop covers and fallow. The highest seedbank depletion was found under the monocultures of the host crops. The intercrops of the host and non‐host crops caused less seedbank depletion, followed by the monocultures of the non‐host crops, fallow, and bare soil. The seed bag method and the soil‐sampling method yielded similar percentages of seedbank depletion, while the former allowed for distinguishing between the germinated and diseased seeds. The results suggest that, although all the tested crop species can cause the seed germination and seedbank depletion of Striga, management by using host cereal crops causes the highest amount of germination and has the highest potential to deplete the soil seed bank, provided that seed production is prevented.     

黄土高原不同轮作次序对土壤有机质和有效态微量元素分布的影响

对长武县十里铺村长期定位试验旱地土壤,用重铬酸钾容量法对土壤有机质进行测定,用DTPA浸提-原子吸收法对有效态微量元素进行测定,研究不同轮作次序对土壤有机质和有效态微量元素分布的影响。结果表明,土壤有效态微量元素的分布除受微量元素总量的影响外,还与作物的轮作次序有关。不同轮作次序土壤有机质均呈现先减小后增大的趋势,有效铁由上到下持续增加,有效锰和有效锌呈现上高下低的趋势,有效铜的分布趋势是由上到下先增加后缓慢减少。粮草轮作体系80~100 cm土层有机质含量在11.08~11.89 g·kg~(-1)之间,粮豆轮作体系该土层含量为11.04~11.72 g·kg~(-1)之间。粮草轮作系统中3年小麦的土壤有效铁和有效锰含量较低,种植苜蓿和马铃薯可以提高土壤有效锰含量,连续种植小麦和连续种植苜蓿土壤有效锌和有效铜含量出现下降的趋势。粮豆轮作系统中小麦+糜子茬口土壤有效铁含量较高,小麦茬口的土壤有效锰含量最低,比小麦+糜子茬口和豌豆茬口的含量平均低7.73%~30.55%。粮草轮作系统中土壤有效态微量元素的含量高于粮豆轮作系统,在80 cm以上土层,两个轮作系统中土壤有效态微量元素的含量差异较大,在该土层以下,两个系统间的差异减小。     

华北区玉米、高粱、谷子纹枯病病原学的初步研究

 玉米,高粱和谷子纹枯病在华北地区发生极为普遍,并日趋严重。作者从该区采集作物病组织,进行丝核菌分离、鉴定和致病性测定,从玉米上得到77个丝核菌分离物,分属立枯丝核菌(Rhizoctonia solani)中的AG-1-IA (68.8%) AG-1-IB,AG-3,AG-5等菌丝融合群(AGs)和禾谷丝核菌(R.cerealis)中的CAG-3,CAG-6,CAG-8,CAG-9,CAG-10等菌丝融合群,(CAGs).从高粱上得到26个分离物,分属AG-1-IA(77%),AG-4和AG5.谷子上得到30个分离物,分属AG-1-IA (80%)。和AG-4。另外从莠子上得到3个分离物,分离AG-1-IA和AG-4。主要融合群在不同作物和地理上有一定的一致性.致病性测定表明,AG-1-IA的分离物对寄主作物有极强的致病性,但分离物间的差异明显,AG-5的分离物对高粱致病力较强,CAG-10的分离物对玉米有较强的致病力,其余各融合群的分离物致病力均较弱。     

入侵害虫草地贪夜蛾取食七种食物的种群生命表

为阐明入侵害虫草地贪夜蛾Spodoptera frugiperda对我国不同农作物的适应性,利用年龄-阶段两性种群生命表技术研究取食玉米粒以及玉米、花生、棉花、大豆、高粱和谷子叶片等7种不同食物对草地贪夜蛾生长发育与繁殖的影响。结果表明,不同食物显著影响草地贪夜蛾种群。整个成虫前期从长到短依次为取食棉花叶>取食大豆叶>取食高粱叶>取食花生叶>取食谷子叶>取食玉米叶>取食玉米粒,取食玉米粒要比取食棉花叶的时间缩短27.95 d。雌雄成虫寿命均以取食玉米粒和高粱叶的最长,以取食玉米叶的较短,且取食棉花叶的雄成虫寿命仅有3.00 d。产卵量以取食玉米粒的最多,为619.27粒,是取食其他食物的6.00倍～61.25倍。取食玉米叶的草地贪夜蛾初孵幼虫个体完成幼虫、蛹和成虫阶段的概率均较高,分别为95.38%、78.46%和78.46%,而取食棉花叶的最低,分别为37.29%、20.34%和20.34%。草地贪夜蛾取食玉米粒的净增值率、内禀增长率、周限增长率均最高,分别为105.59、0.12 d-1、1.13 d-1,平均世代周期最短,为36.91 d,而取...     

Effects of temperature and yeast supplementation on the development ofTribolium castaneum (Herbst) in wholemeal and polished flour derived from four cereals in Maiduguri, Nigeria

The effects of temperature, yeast and polishing (removal of bran) on the development ofTribolium castaneurn (Herbst) in flour derived from millet, sorghum, maize and wheat were investigated for one generation in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Significantly moreT. castaneurn adults and larvae developed in flour stored at 35 °C than in flour stored at 30 °C or 40 °C; mortality of adult beetles in flour stored at 40 °C was 95 % in sorghum and maize and 100 % in millet and wheat. Addition of three levels (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 %, w/w) of yeast to cereal flour, on average, significantly increased the population of adult and larval progenies relative to the population in yeast-free flour. Considerably higher number of adult beetles developed in wholemeal than in polished flour derived from millet.     

Effects of temperature and yeast supplementation on the development ofTribolium castaneum (Herbst) in wholemeal and polished flour derived from four cereals in Maiduguri, Nigeria

The effects of temperature, yeast and polishing (removal of bran) on the development ofTribolium castaneurn (Herbst) in flour derived from millet, sorghum, maize and wheat were investigated for one generation in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Significantly moreT. castaneurn adults and larvae developed in flour stored at 35 °C than in flour stored at 30 °C or 40 °C; mortality of adult beetles in flour stored at 40 °C was 95 % in sorghum and maize and 100 % in millet and wheat. Addition of three levels (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 %, w/w) of yeast to cereal flour, on average, significantly increased the population of adult and larval progenies relative to the population in yeast-free flour. Considerably higher number of adult beetles developed in wholemeal than in polished flour derived from millet.     

Rodent Control in India

Eighteen species of rodents are pests in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, animal and human dwellings and rural and urban storage facilities in India. Their habitat, distribution, abundance and economic significance varies in different crops, seasons and geographical regions of the country. Of these, Bandicota bengalensis is the most predominant and widespread pest of agriculture in wet and irrigated soils and has also established in houses and godowns in metropolitan cities like Bombay, Delhi and Calcutta. In dryland agriculture Tatera indica and Meriones hurrianae are the predominant rodent pests. Some species like Rattus meltada, Mus musculus and M. booduga occur in both wet and dry lands. Species like R. nitidus in north-eastern hill region and Gerbillus gleadowi in the Indian desert are important locally. The common commensal pests are Rattus rattus and M. musculus throughout the country including the islands. R. rattus along with squirrels Funambulus palmarum and F. tristriatus are serious pests of plantation crops such as coconut and oil palm in the southern peninsula. F. pennanti is abundant in orchards and gardens in the north and central plains and sub-mountain regions. Analysis of the information available on the damage and economic losses caused by rodents in rice, wheat, sugarcane, maize, pearl millet, sorghum, oil seed, legume and vegetable crop fields, horticulture and forestry, poultry farms, and rural and urban dwellings and storage facilities clearly shows that chronic damage ranging from 2% to 15% persists throughout the country and severe damage, sometimes even up to 100% loss of the field crop, is not rare. Several traditional and modern approaches and methods of rodent control are being used. The existing knowledge of the environmental, cultural, biological, mechanical and chemical methods of rodent control in India is reviewed. Considerable variations exist in the susceptibility of the pest species to different methods, particularly to rodenticides and trapping, their field applicability, efficacy and economics in different crops, seasons and geographical regions, behavioural responses of the pest species to these methods in different ecological conditions and their adoption by farmers in different regions of India. Environmental and cultural techniques, such as clean cultivation, proper soil tillage and crop scheduling, barriers, repellents and proofing which may reduce rodent harbourage, food sources and immigration have long lasting effects but are seldom adopted. However, their significance in relation to normal agricultural practices, intensification and diversification are discussed. Rodenticides, which provide an immediate solution to the rodent problem, form the major component of rodent control strategies in India. Poison baiting of rodents with zinc phosphide and burrow fumigation with aluminium phosphide are common in agricultural fields and recently Racumin (coumatetralyl) and bromadiolone have been introduced for the control of both agricultural and commensal rodent pests in India. Methods and timings of campaigns and successes and problems in implementation of rodent control are also reviewed.     

Evaluation of herbicides against Phalaris minor in wheat in north-western Indian plains

Phalaris minor, the most serious weed in wheat in north‐western India, has developed extensive isoproturon resistance due to continuous isoproturon use. For its control, alternative herbicides (flufenacet, metribuzin and sulfosulfuron) at different application rates and timing were evaluated in wheat. In addition, herbicide carryover risk onto rotational crops (sorghum; maize and green gram, Vigina radiata) was also assessed. Isoproturon at 1 and 2 kg a.i. ha^?1 provided only 10.5% and 51.8%P. minor control respectively. Of the other herbicides, early post‐emergent [15–21 days after sowing (DAS)] flufenacet at 180–480 g a.i. ha^?1 provided acceptable control of P. minor, but failed to control broad‐leaved weeds and was phytotoxic to the wheat crop. Metribuzin at 210 g a.i. ha^?1 was effective in controlling both Phalaris and dicotyledonous weeds. Mixtures of both flufenacet and metribuzin at reduced rates were better than flufenacet for weed control and grain yield. The efficacy of flufenacet and metribuzin was drastically reduced with later growth stages of P. minor (four to five leaf). Whereas sulfosulfuron at 25–30 g a.i. ha^?1, applied either early post‐emergence (19 DAS) or post‐emergence (30–42 DAS), was quite effective. Overall, sulfosulfuron was the most effective treatment with regard to weed control and crop yield. However, maize and sorghum grown in rotation after harvest of sulfosulfuron‐treated wheat plots showed 65–73% crop biomass inhibition. The residual effect of sulfosulfuron was also noticed on Trianthema portulacastrum (Horse purslane), causing 73.5% dry matter reduction. By contrast, no carryover damage with flufenacet was observed on maize, sorghum and green gram. Glasshouse pot experiments and field trials investigating crop sensitivity to pre‐plant applications of sulfosulfuron found the decreasing order: sorghum > maize > green gram. The risk of carryover onto rotational crops should be considered when choosing alternative herbicides for P. minor control in wheat.     

连作对谷子土壤酶活性及养分的影响

为探明谷子连作对土壤环境的影响,分析不同连作年限对谷子土壤养分和酶活性的影响,本研究在4a不施肥定位试验的基础上,设置连作2 a(T1)、连作3 a(T2)、连作4 a(T3)和轮作(CK)4个处理,分别测定了土壤养分、土壤脲酶、碱性磷酸酶、蔗糖酶和过氧化氢酶活性及其变化。试验结果表明,与轮作(CK)相比,连作2 a(T1)、连作3 a(T2)和连作4 a(T3)分别减产6.9%、12.7%和35.6%,随着连作年限增加,减产幅度加大;连作土壤氮、磷含量降低,其中速效氮含量降低最为显著(P0.05),速效钾含量变化不显著(P0.05),土壤p H升高。连作条件下,土壤脲酶、碱性磷酸酶、蔗糖酶和过氧化氢酶活性均呈现逐年降低的趋势,且随着连作年限增加,降低越显著,连作4 a(T3)显著低于其它处理(P0.05)。     

Response of soil water dynamics to precipitation years under different vegetation types on the northern Loess Plateau,China

Implementation of the Grain-for-Green project has led to rapid land cover changes and resulted in a significantly increased vegetation cover on the Loess Plateau of China during the past few decades. The main objective of this study was to examine the responses of soil water dynamics under four typical vegetation types against precipitation years. Soil water contents(SWCs) were measured in 0–4.0 m profiles on a hillslope under the four vegetation types of shrub, pasture, natural fallow and crop in a re-vegetated catchment area from April to October in normal(2010), dry(2011), wet(2014) and extremely wet(2013) years. The results indicated that precipitation and vegetation types jointly controlled the soil water temporal dynamics and profile characteristics in the study region. SWCs in 0–4.0 m profiles of the four vegetation types were ranked from high to low as cropfallowpastureshrub and this pattern displayed a temporal stability over the four years. In the extremely wet year, SWC changes occurred in the 0–2.0 m layer under shrub and pasture while the changes further extended to the depth of 4.0-m deep layers under fallow and crop. In the other three years, SWCs changes mainly occurred in the 0–1.0 m layer and kept relatively stable in the layers deeper than 1.0 m for all the four vegetation types. The interannual variation in soil depth of SWCs was about 0–2.0 m for shrub and pasture, about 0–3.4 m for fallow and about 0–4.0 m for crop, respectively. The dried soil layers formed at the depths of 1.0, 0.6, 1.6 and 0.7 m under shrub, and 1.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 0.9 m under pasture, respectively in 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014. The infiltrated rainwater mostly stayed in the 0–1.0 m layer and hardly supplied to soil depth 1.0 m in normal, dry and wet years. Even in the extremely wet year of 2013, rainwater recharge depth did not exceed 2.0 m under shrub and pasture. This implied that soil desiccation was difficult to remove in normal, dry and wet years, and soil desiccation could be removed in 1.0–2.0 m soil layers even in the extremely wet year under shrub and pasture. The results indicated that the natural fallow was the best vegetation type for achieving sustainable utilization of soil water and preventing soil desiccation.     

山东烟区侵染烟草的根结线虫寄主范围

为明确烟草根结线虫的寄主范围，采用田间调查、室内接种及回接烟草，测定了侵染烟草的根结线虫(Meloidogyne spp．)的寄主植物。结果表明，该线虫可侵染30个科的113种植物。其中粮食作物10种、油料及经济作物9种、蔬菜类33种、果树类3种、花卉树木类8种及杂草50种。证实的寄主植物多数呈中度偏重发病程度，但小麦、玉米、谷子、水稻等禾本科作物发病较轻，可在轮作防病措施中参考使用。     

The epidemiology, variability and control of the downy mildews of pearl millet and sorghum, with particular reference to Africa

Sorghum downy mildew ( Peronosclerospora sorghi ) infecting sorghum and maize, and pearl millet downy mildew ( Sclerospora graminicola ) infecting pearl millet can cause considerable yield loss in Africa. The last 15 years have witnessed an increase in knowledge of the biology, epidemiology and control of these two pathogens. Much information has been obtained on the effect of environmental factors on disease epidemiology, spore production and dispersal. Molecular techniques applied to study pathogenic variability have aided in defining relationships among these pathogens, although scope of the work is limited. Knowledge of the genetics and inheritance of resistance, and of resistance mechanisms, has also increased. This review presents the current state of knowledge of both downy mildew pathogens, with focus on their status on sorghum and pearl millet in Africa. Despite the advances in knowledge over the last 15 years, these downy mildews remain important constraints to sustainable crop production in the semi-arid regions of Africa. In some cases information obtained in Asia and the Americas can be extrapolated to Africa but care must be taken in ensuring its applicability. Priorities for future research relevant for Africa are proposed and discussed.     

模拟降雨条件下谷子和冬小麦植株对降雨再分配过程的影响

以谷子（ Setaria italica）、冬小麦（ Triticum aestivum Linn 。）为研究对象,利用人工模拟降雨测定了不同降雨强度和生长阶段两种作物植株的穿透雨,采用人工喷雾法测定了不同生长阶段的冠层截留,根据水量平衡法计算了不同观测阶段的茎秆流。结果表明：谷子、冬小麦冠层对降雨的再分配作用显著,谷子冠下穿透雨率平均约为79％,茎秆流率平均约为20％,冠层截留率平均约占1％;冬小麦冠下穿透雨率平均约为79％,茎秆流率平均约为19％,冠层截留率平均约占2％。在其全生育期内,两种作物冠下穿透雨与茎秆流呈彼此消长趋势。穿透雨量和茎秆流量与降雨强度呈显著正相关关系,但是穿透雨率和茎秆流率与降雨强度的关系不显著。茎秆流量和冠层截留量及其二者占总降雨量的比率均与作物叶面积指数呈显著正相关关系,但穿透雨量及穿透雨率随叶面积指数增加呈显著下降趋势。     

Competition of sorghum cultivars and densities with Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta)

Field studies were conducted at two locations in southern Queensland, Australia during the 2003–2004 and 2004–2005 growing seasons to determine the differential competitiveness of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) cultivars and crop densities against weeds and the sorghum yield loss due to weeds. Weed competition was investigated by growing sorghum in the presence or absence of a model grass weed, Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta). The correlation analyses showed that the early growth traits (height, shoot biomass, and daily growth rate of the shoot biomass) of sorghum adversely affected the height, biomass, and seed production of millet, as measured at maturity. “MR Goldrush” and “Bonus MR” were the most competitive cultivars, resulting in reduced weed biomass, weed density, and weed seed production. The density of sorghum also had a significant effect on the crop's ability to compete with millet. When compared to the density of 4.5 plants per m², sorghum that was planted at 7.5 plants per m² suppressed the density, biomass, and seed production of millet by 22%, 27% and 38%, respectively. Millet caused a significant yield loss in comparison with the weed‐free plots. The combined weed‐suppressive effects of the competitive cultivars, such as MR Goldrush, and high crop densities minimized the yield losses from the weeds. These results indicate that sorghum competition against grass weeds can be improved by choosing competitive cultivars and by using a high crop density of >7.5 plants per m². These non‐chemical options should be included in an integrated weed management program for better weed management, particularly where the control options are limited by the evolution of herbicide resistance.     

阴山北麓旱作区主要作物热能值及结构调整研究

阴山北麓农牧交错地带,气候干旱冷凉,种植结构单一,生产能力低而不稳。农业生产不仅要考虑作物综合生产能力,同时要考虑其水分消耗数量。作物的热能产值反映了其综合生产能力。文中采用能值研究方法,通过田间试验、实验室分析测试对该地区三年主要作物的热能产值、耗水量及其生物产量和经济效益进行了系统研究,结果表明,当地主要作物的热能值大小依次为:向日葵>玉米>马铃薯>草玉米>草谷子>草莜麦>油菜>莜麦>小麦>胡麻>箭筈碗豆>山黧豆。考虑到热能值、生物产量、经济效益和水分生产能力,该地区种植结构调整首先应考虑马铃薯的种植,其次是向日葵,然后是饲草和杂粮。优化作物布局,可以获得作物综合生产能力和环境资源保护的双赢,能够促进资源合理利用与农牧业的可持续发展。     

绿肥填闲种植对旱作冬小麦农田土壤团聚体有机碳含量的影响

依托黄土塬区4 a绿肥填闲种植田间定位试验,开展不同填闲作物对土壤团聚体组成及各组分有机碳在团聚体中分布影响的研究,为阐明填闲种植措施下土壤有机碳库的物理保护机制提供依据。试验设置4个处理,即冬小麦夏闲期种植长武怀豆(SB)、苏丹草(SG)、怀豆/苏丹草混播(Mix)和裸地休闲(CK)。利用干筛法将全土筛分为>5 mm、2～5 mm、0.25～2 mm和<0.25 mm等4个粒级,分别测定土壤和各粒级团聚体中有机碳和颗粒有机碳含量,进而计算团聚体平均重量直径及有机碳贡献率。结果表明：绿肥种植对土壤团聚体分布有显著影响,各绿肥处理均有利于0～10 cm土层土壤团聚体的形成,但对亚表层土壤团聚结构影响较小。与CK相比,在0～40 cm各土层,SB、SG和Mix处理均显著提高土壤有机碳含量、颗粒有机碳含量及团聚体平均重量直径,提高幅度分别为7.9%、8.0%和7.9%,其中SB更有利于表层土壤有机碳的固存,且土壤有机碳和颗粒有机碳含量之间呈显著正相关关系,这两者与团聚体平均重量直径之间均呈显著负相关关系。不同处理下土壤团聚体各有机碳组分含量存在差异,与CK相比,SB和Mix均显著...     

硫磺和ALA配合施用对盐渍化土壤中玉米生长的影响

通过盆栽试验,探讨硫磺和ALA(5-氨基乙酰丙酸,分子式为C_5H_9NO_3)配合施用对盐渍化土壤中作物生长发育的影响.结果表明:在中等用量的硫磺(3 g/kg)和ALA处理下,玉米的生长发育明显优于无处理的对照,玉米幼苗株高和干物质量分别比对照提高45.6%和34.2%.硫磺施入盐渍化土壤中后,明显降低了土壤pH值,改善了作物生长的土壤环境;同时土壤的EC(电导率)明显提高,主要是由于SO_4~(2-),Ca~(2+),Mg~(2+)3种离子含量升高所引起,且大部分硫磺并没有在短期内转化成SO_4~(2-),因此在该类盐渍土中科学施加一定量的硫磺更有利于作物的生长发育,且有一定的后效.由此可见,在盐渍化土壤中施用适量硫磺,并对作物辅以施用ALA的化学调控措施,把作物生长环境改善和抗盐性提高相结合,可以达到较好的效果.     

磺酰脲类除草剂对禾谷类作物的安全性及药害研究

采用田间小区试验方法,测定了4种磺酰脲类除草剂对玉米、小麦、谷子、高粱4种禾本科作物的安全性。结果表明,4%玉农乐悬浮剂苗后茎叶处理,有效成份推荐量40g/hm²对玉米安全,2倍量80g/hm²对玉米有轻微药害,3倍量120g/hm²对玉米药害严重,植株矮化穗小。推荐量对小麦、谷子、高粱药害严重,苗期死亡;75%宝收干悬浮剂播后苗前土壤处理,有效成分推荐量25g/hm²、2倍量50g/hm²和3倍量75g/hm²对4种作物均安全。苗后茎叶处理,3个剂量对小麦均无明显药害。推荐量对玉米安全,高粱有轻度药害,谷子药害严重,苗期死亡。2倍量玉米有轻度药害,高粱药害严重,部分苗期死亡。3倍量玉米和高粱药害严重,玉米不能恢复正常生长,高粱大部分苗期枯死;25%宝成干悬浮剂苗后茎叶处理,有效成分推荐量18.75g/hm²推荐量对玉米安全,2倍量37.5g/hm²对玉米有轻微药害,7d左右恢复正常生长。推荐量对小麦、谷子、高粱均有药害,2倍量药害严重,苗期死亡;20%豆磺隆可溶性粉剂播后苗前土壤处理,有效成份推荐量15g/hm²下对4种作物均安全,2倍量30g/hm²和3倍量45g/hm²下对玉米、小麦、谷子安全,高粱有轻度药害。苗后茎叶处理,推荐量、2倍量和3倍量对小麦均安全。推荐量对谷子安全,2倍量和3倍量谷子有轻度药害。推荐量下玉米、高粱均有药害,2倍量和3倍量药害严重,不能恢复正常生长。     

Effect of method of Imperata cylindrica management on maize grain yield in the derived savanna of south-western Nigeria

Field studies were conducted in 1991 and 1992 on a sandy loam soil in the derived savanna zone of south-western Nigeria to assess the effect of the underground organs of Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeuschel on maize grain yield. Total dry matter of I. cylindrica in abandoned arable land averaged 16 t ha⁻¹ and rhizomes contributed 56% of this. Rhizome removal from soil before planting maize significantly increased maize yield relative to hoe tillage or slashing of I. cylindrica shoots before planting maize. Digging up rhizomes before planting maize and weeding the crop twice gave a yield reduction of only 23% compared with weed-free crops with rhizomes removed. Grain yield reduction was 51% in plots where rhizomes were only fragmented by hoe tillage and the crop was weeded twice. Grain yield was 62% less when maize was grown in slashed plots with intact rhizomes that were weeded four times (farmers' practice). Slashing without additional weeding resulted in crop failure in maize.