PERFORMANCE OF SESAME (Sesamum indicum L.) AS AFFECTED BY WEED CONTROL METHODS AND FERTILIZERS IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA
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Date
2019-06-06
Journal Title
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Publisher
Bayero University Kano
Abstract
Field experiments were conducted in 2017 rainy season at the research farm of Bayero
University, Kano (lat 11o 58′N and long 8o 25′
E and 475m above sea level), and Gurungawa
located in Kombotso Local Government Area (lat 11o
55
′N and long 8o
31′
E and 475m above
sea level). The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effects of fertilizers and weed
control method of Sesame. The experiment consisted of three levels of cow dung (0t/ha, 3t/ha
and 6t/ha) plus NPK. (15:15:15) fertilizer at rates of 50 kg N/ha, 60 kg P/ha, 35 kg K/ha and
two levels each of two pre-emergence herbicides (Metolachlor and Pendimethalin) at 2.0 kg
a.i. /ha and 2.5 kg a.i. /ha, two hoe weedings at 3 and 6WAS and a weedy check as control.
The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with cow dung and NPK applied to the
main plot and weed control method to the sub-plot and was replicated three times at both
locations. The results of the study indicated that application of NPK at recommended rate
increased growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, and leaf area index at
both sampling period and location. Cow dung at 3 t/ha increased weed control efficiency and
NPK at recommended rate increased weed index but fertilizers did not affect weed dry
weight. Similarly, NPK at recommended rate and cow dung at 6t/ha significantly increased
grain yield, 1000-seed weight and biological yield. Two hoe weedings at 3 and 6WAS
increased growth parameters like plant height, number of leaves, leaf area index at both
locations. On the other hand, application of Metolachlor and Pendimethalin at the rate of
2.5kg a.i/ha also increased plant height at the research farm of Bayero University, Kano.
Both weed dry weight and weed index were increased under weedy check whereas weed
control efficiency was increased with two hoe weedings. Consequently, two hoe weedings at
3 and 6WAS significantly increased yield parameters such as grain yield, biological yield and
1000-seed weight. There were highly significant and positive correlations between grain
yield, leaf area index, number of leaf, plant height, plant dry weight, 1000-seed weight and
weed control efficiency. However, days to 50% flowering, weed dry weight and weed index
had negative correlation with yield. It is recommended that NPK (15:15:15) at the rate of 50
kg N/ha, 60 kg P/ha, 35 kg K/ha and cow dung at 6t/ha for the two locations should be used,
similarly two hoe weedings and Metolachlor and Pendimethalin at the rate of 2.5kg a.i/ha can
also be recommended but depending on the choice of farmer.