Effect of different hand weeding regimes on weed management and grain yield of Acha, Digitaria species

Abstract

A split plot experiment with three replicates was carried out in 1999 and 2000 on two accessions of Acha at the experimental site of the Natioanl Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, located at Lat. 09^o 45’ N; Long. 06^o 7’ E, Alt. 50.57 MSL.  Accession (erect and spread) was in the main plot while the weeding regimes was the sub-plot.

     The weeding regimes were: two hand pullings of weeds at 3, & 7; 4 & 8; 5 & 9 and 6 & 10 weeks after sowing (WAS) and weedy check.  The experiment was aimed at determining the appropriate hand weeding regimes for weed management and optimum grain yield of Acha (Digitaria species).  weeding  regime has effect on dry weed weight, weed cover score and grain yield.  The earlier the plot is weeded, the lesser the dry weed weight and weed cover score. However, dry weed weight and weed cover score were not influenced by the different accessions of Acha. Grain yield result indicated that first hand pulling of weeds should be carried out between 3 – 4 WAS while the second should be between 7 – 8 WAS.