Influence of seed rates on weed management and grain yield in a drill-sowing method of Acha, Digitaria exilis, Kippis Stapf in the Sudan Savanna zone of Nigeria

Abstract

A randomized Complete Block design experiment with three replicates was carried out in 2001 and 2002 on Acha at the experimental site of the National Cereals Research Institute, Rice Research Station, Birnin Kebbi located at Lat. 12^o32^’N; Long. 04^o12’E Alt 200MSL in the Sudan Savanna zone of Nigeria. Six seed rates ( 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35kg/ha) were evaluated at a drill spacing of 20 cm apart using Ex-Sum accession of Acha. The recommended broadcast seed rate of 25kg/ha was included as check treatment. The aim was to determine the appropriate seed rate in drill-sowing of Acha for good weed management and optimum grain yield. Weeds were observed to be suppressed to comparably low level at 30kg/ha seed rate. Optimum yield and net benefit also indicated a wise decision for Acha to be drill-sown at 30kg/ha seed rate.