IBADAN – Dr Alfred Dixon, an expert on weed management, has urged farmers to use an integrated weed management approach in tackling weed problems in cassava.
Dixon, who is of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.
The Project Leader, Sustainable Weed Management Technologies for Cassava Systems in Nigeria, urged farmers to consider the approach which involves different methods of weed control.
He said: “ Integrating legumes into the system as well as safe and judicious use of herbicides is recommended, especially for large scale farms. [eap_ad_1] “Good and sustainable weed management in cassava systems require careful and proper planning and in fact seeking professional advice when one is not sure of what to do.’’
He said proper land preparation was the first step in good weed management, pointing out that a poorly prepared seed bed would lead to high weed pressure and poor root yield.
“For this, farmers need to seek for help from experts such as the extension professionals on the type of herbicide to use as well as the quantity and correct time to use the herbicides.
“The farmer must be educated on the risks involved and needs to understand the type of weed vegetation in his farm.
“This is very important in planning weed management and it is not a difficult task.
“All that the farmer needs to know is whether the dominant weeds are broadleaves or grasses, whether they grow from year to year (perennials) or die after a season (annual).
“This information is very helpful in planning weed control programmes,” he said. (NAN)
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