Effect of Some Novel Herbicides on the Controlling Weeds Associated with Maize Plants

摘要

Field experiments were conducted in two successive seasons to investigate the effect of some novel herbicides and/or hand hoeing treatments on controlling weeds and increasing maize ( Zea mays L.) productivity. One pre-emergence herbicide (Gesaprim) and two post-emergence herbicides (Bentazone and Fluroxypyr) were applied at different concentrations either alone or followed by hand hoeing once treatment. Applying the three herbicides alone at different concentrations substantially reduced the weeds associated with maize as compared with controls. Gesaprim at 0.5 and 0.75 kg/feddan was the most effective herbicide for controlling both narrow and broad-leaved weeds as compared with the other two herbicides, irrespective of rate of application. Applying the three herbicides at lower concentrations, followed by one hand hoeing treatment gave, to a large extent, similar results to those herbicides applied alone at the highest and moderate concentrations for controlling a wide range of weeds and significantly increased the maize yield (52-74%) as compared with control. However, hand hoeing twice treatment was the most effective treatment for controlling the weeds and increasing the maize productivity (86-88%), either compared with control or other chemical treatments. Some difference was found between applying the three herbicides either alone or in combination with hand hoeing for increasing protein content in maize grain as compared with control. It has been suggested that applying the herbicides and/or hand hoeing for controlling weeds in maize must be considered in relation to the costs and environmental impact.