Effect of competition of Cyperus rotundus L. (nut sedge) on sugarcane yield and quality in the coastal areas

摘要

Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L) is a perennial weed, infests agricultural lands throughout the warm regions of the world (Hauser, 1971) and considered as one of the world's worst weeds (Holm et al. 1977). In Tamil Nadu, most of the sugarcane fields areinfested with nutsedges. Farmers are practicing either cultural or manual (Hand weeding) method for controlling this weed. The first 90 days after planting of sugarcane crop is reported to be the critical period for crop weed competition (Rangiah et al.1988 ; and Rao et al. 1989). Weeds growing in the furrows along the sugarcane row have been found to be more harmful than the weeds growing on ridges between two rows (Sundara, 1991). Information on the effect of Cyperus rotundus on sugarcane yield andquality, particularly in the coastal areas, is limited. Hence, this study was undertaken to asses yield losses due to infestation of Cyperus rotundus in cane field.