Effects of Organic Weed Control Methods on Weed Density, Phenotypic Traits and Yield Attribute of Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus)

Abstract

Organic weed control methods has a long time record in conserving soil moisture, improving soil structure and increasing soil organic matter. This testimonial should not be left out to manifest on vegetable crops that serve greater part as supplement for balanced meals. Field experiment was conducted in two years (2016 and 2017) to investigate the effects of different organic weed control methods on weed density, phenotypic traits and yield of Cucumber. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The experimental site was marked into (4) blocks while each block was also marked into (3) plots, giving a total number of (12) plots. Plots were 4m x 4m. Two seeds were planted per hole with inter and intra row spacing of 1m x 1m.The results showed that mulched plots (Sawdust and wood shaving) and hoe weeding had higher and significant growth and harvested number of fruits per plant (yield), compared to the control (Weedy and nonmulched plots), this indicated that mulching and hoe weeding as methods of organic weed control have positive effects on reducing weed emergence, increase growth and yield of cucumber. It was concluded that higher yield is not only synonymous to use of synthetic chemicals (pesticides and herbicides) but as well to cost effective and safe organic management practices in breeding programmes.