Field trials were conducted during the 2019-2020 cropping season to assess the efficacy of S-metolachlor and flumetsulam (triazolopyrimidine sulfonanilide)+S-metolachlor (chloro-acetanilide) pre-emergence herbicides in controlling weeds in maize at Chisumbanje estate. The experiment was laid out as a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three treatments and replicated thrice. Treatments used include hand weeding (control), S-metolachlor and flumetsulam (triazolopyrimidine sulfonanilide)+S-metolachlor (chloro-acetanilide) herbicide. The data collected was based on weed density, plant height, maize grain yield indicating significant differences (p<0.05) amongst the treatments. Flumetsulam (triazolopyrimidine sulfonanilide)+S-metolachlor (chloro-acetanilide) scored the least weed density per m-2 as compared to S-metolachlor showing that it is an effective pre-emergence herbicide (33, 27 and 22) on Mexican marigold (Tagetes minuta), shamva (Rottboellia cochinchinensis) grass and wild jute (Corchorous tridens) respectively. The control (hand weeding) scored the highest weed density per m-2, indicating that the method was not effective as compared to S-metolachlor and flumetsulam (triazolopyrimidine sulfonanilide)+S-metolachlor (chloro-acetanilide) treatments. Flumetsulam (triazolopyrimidine sulfonanilide)+S-metolachlor (chloro-acetanilide) scored the highest yield of 10 tonnes/hectare whilst S-metolachlor and control scored 7.6 and 5.6t/ha respectively. Herbicides reduced the weed spectrum in maize resulting in realisation of higher yield in flumetsulam (triazolopyrimidine sulfonanilide) + S-metolachlor (chloro-acetanilide) experiment followed by S-metolachlor. Farmers are recommended to use flumetsulam (triazolopyrimidine sulfonanilide)+S-metolachlor (chloro-acetanilide) as a pre-emergence herbicide in controlling weeds in maize so as to realise higher yields and low weed density.
Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a strategic food security crop in Zimbabwe which is a good source of carbohydrates. This has created the need to increase research so as to increase potato productivity. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of earthing up and nutrient management on potato growth and yield. The study was carried out in Masvingo district of Masvingo Province. The experiment was laid out as a 2*3*3 factorial design with 18 treatments replicated three times to give 54 plots. Days to maturity were observed when potato plant leaves turned yellow and 85% of the tubers were ready for harvest at physiological maturity. Results show that plant height was not significantly affected (p<0.05) by earthing up. Nutrient management significantly influenced (p<0.05) plant height with highest (31.2 ± 0.97 cm) observed from 5 t ha-1 cattle manure + 50 kg ha-1 potassium fertiliser. Days to maturity were statistically affected (p<0.05) by tillage type and nutrient management. Days to maturity increased statistically (p<0.05) with increase in application rates of cattle manure + potassium fertiliser irregardless of tillage type. Earthing up considerably influenced potato yield, with highest yields obtained from earthing up treatments amended with cattle manure + potassium fertiliser. Combining 5 t ha-1 cattle manure and + 50 kg ha-1 potassium fertiliser have the potential to improve potato growth and yields. It can be concluded that farmers adopt the use of earthing up integrated with cattle manure + potassium fertiliser at a rate of 5 t ha-1 + 50 kg ha-1can be a better option to improve potato production in smallholder farming systems.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.