Browsing by Author "Kolo E., E"

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    Influence of planting date and weed management practice on weed emergence, growth, and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in southern Guinea savanna of Nigeria
    (Journal of Agriculture and Biodiversity Research, 2012-05-17) Kolo E., E; Takim, F.O; Fadayomi, O.
    Field trials were conducted during the 2008 and 2009 growing seasons in Ilorin, southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria, to determine the effect of planting date and weed control method on weed infestation, growth, and the development of maize. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block in a split-plot arrangement. Planting dates (2 July, 16 July, 30 July and 13 August) constituted the main plots, while weed management practices, which included a weedy check, two hoe weedings at 3 and 7 weeks after planting (WAP), one hoe weeding at either 4 or 5 WAP and a preemergence application of Primextra Gold(R) [a proprietory mixture containing 290 g/L of metolachlor (2chloro-N-(2-ethly-6-methly-phenly)-N-(2-methoxyl-1-methly ethyl) acetamide) and 370 g/L of atrazine (6chloro-N-ethyl-N’-(1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine)], at 2.5 kg ai/ha were the sub-plot treatments. Weed seedling emergence (infestation) was affected by date of planting in an inconsistent manner, a higher number of weed species were encountered in plots established on the first planting date (2 July) while plots established on the last date of planting (13 August) had the least number of weed species. Date of planting and weed control practice significantly affected maize grain yield and 100-seed weight, grain yield declined with delay in planting date. Maize growth likely contributes to the crop having a distinct competitive advantage over weeds when planted in early July, compared with late July and August plantings.