How to tackle cassava weed problem - Expert #nigeria

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.
"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