Weed Rsearch
Weed Research
- Parasitic weeds (Orobanche ramosa L., Striga asiatica, Striga hermonthica),
- Sedges (Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus esculentus),
- Grass weeds (Digitaria ternata, Digitaria abyssinica, Cynodon dactylon, Sorghum arundenanceum, Echinocloa colona)
- Broad-leaved weeds (Launea cornuta, Portulaca oleracea, Tribulus teresteris, Commelina benghalensis, Parthenium hysterophorus, Xanthium abyssinicum, Datura stramonium, Tagetes minuta, Galinsoga parviflora Cav., Amaranthus hybridus, Guizotia scabra and Argemone mexicana).
The distribution and relative importance of weeds and the potential yield loss due to these weeds have been determined. Studies on biology and control options (cultural, botanical, varietal and herbicidal) were carried out and the results were published. Currently, integrated weed management research is being conducted on parasitic and invasive weeds.
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Weeds are major constraints limiting crop production and productivity. Research on weeds at MARC focused on both parasitic and non-parasitic weeds. Studies on biology and management of parasitic weeds such as Striga hermontheca and S. asiatica on sorghum and Orobanche ramosa on tomato were made and management options developed. The sorghum varieties, namely Gobiye, Abshir and Birhan were released as striga resistant and drought tolerant varieties. The integration of these varieties along with soil fertility management and water conservation practices using tied-ridge demonstrated effective control of Striga species in sorghum and the package has been widely demonstrated. Tomato varieties, LE 244, CLN 2123 A, Melkashola, Riogrande, Seedathip, LE 180 A, and Cherry were found tolerant to O. ramosa. Research on the management of broad leaf and grass weeds in low land pulses and vegetable crops was also conducted. Combined use of row planting, tied ridging, fertilizer application, and hand weeding improved the productivity of common bean varieties. Integration of two times hand weeding at 20 and 40 days after emergence and 40 cm inter-row spacing reduced yield loss in finger millet. An integrated weed management that involves manual, cultural and chemical control should be given emphasis to respond well to current problems of weeds.
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