Influence of tillage, fertiliser regime and weeding frequency on germinable weed seed bank in a subhumid environment in Zimbabwe

Mashavakure, Nilton; Mashingaidze, A. B.; Musundire, Robert; Gandiwa, Edson; Thierfelder, Christian; Muposhi, Victor K.; Svotwa, Ezekia

doi:10.1080/02571862.2019.1570567

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Since there is no or little disturbance of soil in range land areas, weed plants are allowed to grow and produce more seeds, which eventually results in a higher seed bank (Buhler et al, 1997). When exposed to favourable conditions, weed seed in the soil can germinate to form new seedlings and a new cycle of weed seed begins (Mashavakure et al, 2019). However, higher seed banks were recorded in fallow land compared to arable land.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seed Bank Distribution of Kongwa Weed (Astripomoea Hyoscyamoides) for Different Land Use Types in Kongwa District, Tanzania

Macha,

Sibuga,

Kudra

2023

J. Current Opinion Crop Sci.,

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Weed invasion poses significant challenges to agriculture and ecosystems, leading to substantial economic losses globally. Astripomoea hyoscyamoides Vatke Verdc. commonly known as Kongwa weed, is a highly invasive species causing a severe infestation in the Kongwa district, Tanzania. This study investigated the seed bank distribution of Kongwa weed across different land use types, specifically arable land, fallow land, and range land in the Kongwa district. Soil samples were collected from chamae, chigwingwili, chimotolo, machenje, msunjulile, ndalibo, nyerere, and sejeli villages, representing range, arable, and fallow land, at different soil depths (0-5 cm, 5-10 cm, 10-15 cm, and 15-20 cm). The results showed significant variations in Kongwa weed seed density among villages, with Msunjulile exhibiting the highest density across all land use types (1.92 seeds/m2 in arable, 6.67 seeds/m2 in fallow, and 9.83 seeds/m2 in range land). In comparison, Chigwingwili displayed the lowest density (0.33 seeds/m2 in arable land) The study revealed a decline in seed density with increased soil depth, with the topsoil (0-5 cm) showing the highest seed density. Also, range land exhibited the highest seed density, while arable and fallow land were comparable. Generally, kongwa weed seeds are observed to be higher in range land with a depth of 0–5 cm, particularly in areas near ranch areas. Implementing control measures, especially before the flowering stage, is crucial to mitigating the kongwa weed invasion. Further research on seed germination patterns is recommended to enhance weed management strategies.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seed Bank Distribution of Kongwa Weed (Astripomoea Hyoscyamoides) for Different Land Use Types in Kongwa District, Tanzania

Macha,

Sibuga,

Kudra

2023

J. Current Opinion Crop Sci.,

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“…Both PPT and CA are soil-fertility-increasing technologies. CA is designed to increase biological diversity, reduce runoff and erosion, improve soil organic carbon, and improve crop yield [54][55][56]. Likewise, PPT improves soil moisture and nitrogen fixation, and Desmodium suppresses Striga through root exudates, mainly Isoschaftoside, a C-glycosylflavonoid, leading to suicidal germination of Striga seeds [57].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Performance of Push–Pull Technology in Low-Fertility Soils under Conventional and Conservation Agriculture Farming Systems in Malawi

et al. 2022

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Push–pull technology (PPT) is one of the most viable low-cost agroecological practices that reduces the effects of insect pest infestations (e.g., stemborer) and parasitic weeds (e.g., Striga) in croplands. PPT was evaluated in low-fertility soils and two farming practices, minimum-tilled conservation agriculture practice (CA), and conventionally tilled practice (CP), in contrasting agroecological zones at the Chitedze, Mbawa, and Chitala stations in Malawi. Stemborer and Striga infestations were also investigated and the suitability levels of two Desmodium species. Farmers’ perceptions of PPT were gathered through a focus group discussion. The performance of PPT varied significantly between treatments, sites, and years on grain yields and the number of cobs that could be assigned to soil attributes. Significant variations were found in the number of exit holes, stemborer damage severity, and the number of Striga-affected plants with severe infestation. In Chitedze, CP recorded significantly shorter maize plants by 14.1, 11.6, and 5.8 cm than CP–PP, CA, and CA–PP, respectively, in 2016–2017. There were no significant differences in plant height between CP–PP, CA, and CA–PP. Similar results were also found in 2017–2018. Focus group discussions among farmers attested to up to 70% reductions in Striga weed and stemborer pests under PPT over the two seasons. Farmers who used push–pull technology reported a 45–50% yield increase. Push–pull was also perceived as a technology that improves soil fertility and controls soil erosion. The study presented the importance of soil physicochemical properties in the performance of the technology, as supported by the high occurrence of Striga asiatica in the country and the low suitability of Greenleaf Desmodium. Results reaffirmed the technology’s agronomic benefits in productivity, pest management, plant vigour, and Striga control. The cost of labour was described as a challenge, and research to identify more suitable Desmodium species is needed. The current study suggests the release of the technology in Malawi, emphasizing the inclusion of Desmodium and Brachiaria as animal fodder for the adoption of the technology.

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Do intercropping and mineral nitrogen fertilizer affect weed community structures in low-input maize-based cropping systems?

Namatsheve,

Cardinael,

Chikowo

et al. 2024

Crop Protection

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Influence of tillage, fertiliser regime and weeding frequency on germinable weed seed bank in a subhumid environment in Zimbabwe

Cited by 7 publications

References 17 publications

Seed Bank Distribution of Kongwa Weed (Astripomoea Hyoscyamoides) for Different Land Use Types in Kongwa District, Tanzania

Seed Bank Distribution of Kongwa Weed (Astripomoea Hyoscyamoides) for Different Land Use Types in Kongwa District, Tanzania

Performance of Push–Pull Technology in Low-Fertility Soils under Conventional and Conservation Agriculture Farming Systems in Malawi

Do intercropping and mineral nitrogen fertilizer affect weed community structures in low-input maize-based cropping systems?

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