EFFECT OF RICE HUSK, HOE WEEDING AND GLYPHOSATE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SPEAR GRASS (Imperata cylindrica) ON MAIZE (Zea mays L.)

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1 , July ; Volume 1 (3) ISSN No EFFECT OF RICE HUSK, HOE WEEDING AND GLYPHOSATE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SPEAR GRASS (Imperata cylindrica) ON MAIZE (Zea mays L.) Isah KM 1 *, Abdulmaliq SY 1, Lawal AF 2, Tswanya NM 3, and Majin NS 1 1 Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, University, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria. 2 Department of Agricultural economics and Extension Services, Faculty of Agriculture, Ibrahim, Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria. 3 Department of Agricultural Technology, Niger State College of Agriculture, Mokwa, Nigeria. Received: May 21, 2013; Revision: June 03, 2013; Accepted: June 26, 2013 Available Online July 20, KEYWORDS Spear grass (Imperata cylindrica) Rice husk Glyphosat Weeding Maize (Zea mays L.) ABSTRACT The experiment was conducted in 2009 and 2010 cropping seasons on a highly infested fields with Imperata cylindrical at Mokwa (09 o 18 N and 05 o 04 E) to evaluate the effect of rice husk, hoe weeding and glyphosate application in the management of spear grass (I. cylindrica) on maize (Zea mays L). The trials were laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisted of four treatments viz: rice husk, glyphosate application, hoe weeding and no weeding as a control, replicated four times. The result revealed that rice husk burning caused significant (p <0.05) delay of in 2009 and days in 2010 over the no weeding. Also there was a lower shoot count of I. cylindrical (29.07 in 2009 and in 2010) at harvest over the control; the maize plants were significantly (p < 0.05) taller at harvest with the application of glyphosate and burning of rice husk compared to hoe weeding and no weeding. This resulted in greater maize cobs and percentage relative yield increase of and compared to application of glyphosate, hoe weeding and no weeding in the two cropping respectively. The economic analysis also revealed that rice husk burning had the greatest revenue, gross margin and return on Naira (1.68) investment per hectare compared with hoe weeding (1.32) and no weeding (0.16) in 2009, with the same trend observed in * Corresponding author matthewmokwa@yahoo. com (Isah KM) Peer review under responsibility of Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences. Production and Hosting by Horizon Publisher ( All rights reserved.

2 160 Isah et al 1 Introduction Maize (Zea mays L.) is ranked as the second most important cereal crop in the world after wheat with respect to cultivated area and total production. The crop ranks third after sorghum and millet in Nigeria with its production mostly concentrated in the Southern Guinea and Rain Forest zones (Raemaekers 2001; Wunderlin and Hansen 2008). It is an important staple food in Nigeria with its production reaching 5.5 million metric tonnes in 1999 and 7.0 million metric tonnes in 2003 (FOS, 2004). Grain is also used in livestock feeds and industries especially in breweries, the stover is used as fuel and for making hats, mats ropes and for the manufacture of furfural. However, its highly constrained by a number of biotic and abiotic factors (Emechebe et al., 1991). The biotic factors include pests such as nematodes, stem borers and army worms, diseases such as Downey mildew and maize virus as well as various categories of weeds including I. cylindrica. Imperata cylindrica. (L) Raeuschel, known as spear grass in West Africa, alang-alang in Asia and cogon grass in America is a perennial grassy weed of significant importance in tropical and sub-tropical regions, as well as in some warm parts of the temperate regions of the world (Holm et al., 1977; Garrity et al., 1997; Wunderlin and Hansen, 2008). Yields of annual crops are severely reduced by competition from the weed. Akobundu and Ekeleme, (2000) reported a yield reduction of 51.52% in maize field infested with I. cylindrica weeded 2-4 times. Even higher maize grain yield losses of % have also been reported (Koch et al., 1990; Udensi et al., 1999). Complete crop failure usually occurs when crops are grown in slashed plots without additional weeding (Chikoye et al., 2001). In addition to crop yield losses, I.cylindrica increases the cost of crop production, reduces the market value of damaged tuber crops, and increases the risk of fire in perennial crops. It readily burns, even when green, destroying other vegetation while it regenerates very rapidly from its underground rhizome system, thereby displacing other plant species (Sebuliba- Mutumba 1999). Many control measures have been used including fire preventive measure, slashing/cutting, dip ploughing, shade based management practices and the use of herbicides. The use of herbicides such as paraquat, glyphosate, dalapon and imazapyr among others are known to be quicker in action but costly (Brook 1989; Townson 1991; Terry et al., 1997; Sebuliba-Mutumba 1999). It has become necessary to find a cheap means for resource poor farmers through which this weed can be checked. The consultation with farmers in the study area shows that rice and melon husk packed in a place and fire is set to burn reduces the effect of Striga hermonthica and I. cylindrica (Chikoye et al., 2001). The objective of this study therefore, was to evaluate the effect of rice husk, hoe weeding and glyphosate in the management of spear grass (I. cylindrica) on maize. 2 Materials and Methods The trials were conducted in 2009 and 2010 on highly infested fields with naturally infested I. cylindrica at Niger State College of Agriculture. The trials were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisted four treatments viz burning of rice husk, glyphosate application, hoe weeding and no weeding as a control replicated four times. Each plot consisted of six ridges spaced 75cm wide and 6m long. The plot size is 4.5m x 6m (27m 2 ).The data were taken from the four inner ridges (18m 2 ). Rice husk at equivalent of 400 kg/ha was collected and placed on the respective plots and then burnt. The land was then manually ridged to avoid transferring of soil from a plot to another. Maize variety - Acr. 97 TZL Comp. 1 W sourced from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) was planted at 50cm intra-row spacing using three to four seeds per stand and later thinned down to two at 2 weeks after planting (WAP). Plots where herbicide are supposed to be applied, glyphosate at.1.4 l/ha was applied as post emergence using knapsack spraying equipment. Glyphosate was applied two weeks before planting. Fertilizer at equivalent of 100kgN 50kgP 2O 5 50kgK 2O/ha was applied. Half dose of N and full doses of P 2O 5and K 2O/ha was 3 WAP while the remaining half of N was 6 WAP. The observation collected include number of days to first Imperata emergence, number of Imperata found/plot at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 WAP and at harvest, maize 2 WAP and harvest, weight of maize cobs/ha and maize grain yield in kg/ha. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and partitioning of mean using Least Significance Difference (LSD) at 5% probability. Percentage relative yield increase was evaluated using (Chien et al., 1990) RY = Yield (Treatment) Yield (control)x 100 Yield (standard) Yield (control) Farm budget analysis using costs, return, gross margin and return on investment per hectare were also used to assess the economic benefits of different spear grass weed management practices in maize evaluated in this study. Following Olukosi and Erhabor (1988), farm budget was estimated on per hectare basis as NFI = GI - TVC - TF (1) GM = GI - VC (2) Whereas NFI = Net farm income GM = Gross margin per hectare GI = Gross Income TVC = Total Variable Cost VC = Variable Cost Gross Income (GI) per hectare is the naira (N) value of the total output of maize enterprise. It was obtained by multiplying the yield/ha in kg by price of output per kg. Total Variable Cost (TVC) comprises of cost incurred on inputs as in different weed management practices as

3 Effect of rice husk, hoe weeding and glyphosate in the management of spear grass (Imperata cylindrica) on maize. 161 production is undertaken. It includes the cost of land preparation, seeds, fertilizers, casual labor, herbicide, etc. It was obtained by finding the price of input(s) and multiplying by the quantity of input(s) used per hectare for each weed management practice. One man-day of labor cost N 500 during the study. 3 Results and Discussion 3.1 Number of days to first I. cylindrica emergence The number of days to first emergence of I. cylindrica was different in 2009 and 2010 (Table 1). The number of days to first emergence of Imperata was delayed with rice husk burning compared to glyphosate application, hoeing and no weeding in both years. 3.2 I. cylindrica shoot count No weeding supported greater number of I. cylindrica shoot count on maize throughout the crop life cycle compared to all other treatments in the two years of the study except at 2 and 6 WAP in 2009 where hoe weeding supported similar shoot emergence compared to weeding (Table 1). No emergence of I. cylindrica on plots with rice husk burning until 10 WAP in 2009 and at harvest in 2010 and when they occurs, they were the least. Table 1 Effect of some weed control practices on days to first shoot emergence and count of I. cylindrica on maize at Mokwa, 2009 and 2010 cropping season. Treatments Rice husk No. of days to first Imperata emergence Imperata shoot count/18m 2 2WAP 4WAP 6WAP 8WAP 10WAP Harvest burning a 84.1 a 0.0 b 0.0 c 0.0 c 0.0 c 0.0 c 0.0 d 0.0 c 0.0 d 1.1 c 0.0 d 3.1 d 4.3 d Glyphosate application 27.9 b 28.2 b 0.0 b 0.0 c 2.2 b 4.1 b 6.3 b 10.2 c 6.3 b 13.2 c 8.3 b 15.3 c 10.2 c 19.1 c Hoe weeding 3.1 c 2.7 c 4.0 a 6.1 b 3.3 b 5.2 b 20.1 a 26.3 b 10.1 b 22.1 b 20.5 b 36.4 b 48.3 b 63.2 b No weeding 1.2 c 2.5 c 5.0 a 9.2 a 18.2 a 28.1 a 20.3 a 38.2 a 46.8 a 63.3 a 88.2 a 91.3 a 90.1 a a LSD at 5% DF means followed by same letter(s) within a column are not significantly different at 5% probability (LSD). WAP - Weeks after Planting Figure 1 Effect of some weed control practices on Imperata cylindrical count in maize in 2009.

4 162 Isah et al Figure 2 Effects of some weed control practices on Imperata cylindrical count in maize in Maize height Maize height differed among the treatments at harvest only in the two cropping seasons (Table 2). Maize plants on plots with rice husk burning and application of glyphosate were significantly taller compared with those that were hoe weeded and no weeding in 2009 and Also, hoe weeded maize plants were taller compared to those un-weeded (Table 2). 3.4 Weight of maize cobs Maize in rice husk burning plots produced greater cobs weight compared to application of glyphosate, hoe weeding and no weeding during the two years (Table 2). In addition, application of glyphosate and hoe weeding supported the production of greater cobs weight compared to weeding in the two cropping seasons. 3.5 Maize grain yield Rice husk burning supported the greatest maize grain yield in the two cropping seasons (Table 3). Also, maize grain yield was greater with the application of glyphosate and hoe weeding compared to no weeding in 2009 and 2010 cropping seasons. Table 4 shows that rice bran burning had greater relative yield increase consistently in year 2009 and 2010 cropping season. It gave 23.58% and 32.83% relative yield increase against check (hoe weeding.( 0.22%) ) and control (no weeding ( 100%). Table 2 Effect of some weed control practices of I. cylindrica on maize height, number of cobs and maize grain yield (kg/ha) at Mokwa 2009 and 2010 cropping seasons Treatments 2WAP Maize height (cm) Harvest Weight of maize cobs t/ha Maize grain yield kg/ha Rice husk burning a a 3.5 a 3.7 a 2460 a 2842 a Glyphosate application a a 2.3 b 2.5 b 2033 b 2211 b Hoe weeding b b 2.3 b 2.1 b 2029 b 2209 b No weeding c 50.2 c 0.3 c 0.5 c 202 c 281 c LSD at 5% DF Means followed by same letter(s) within a column are not significantly different at 5% probability (LSD).

5 Effect of rice husk, hoe weeding and glyphosate in the management of spear grass (Imperata cylindrica) on maize. 163 Table 3 Effect of some weed control practices of I. cylindrica on percentage on maize height, number of cobs and maize grain yield at Mokwa 2009 and 2010 cropping seasons. Treatments 2WAP Percentage Maize height Harvest Percentage Weight of maize cobs Percentage Maize grain yield Rice husk Glyphosate application Hoe weeding No weeding Table 4 Relative Yield Increase in Maize under Different Imperata Weed control Practices of I. cylindrica at Maize in at Mokwa in 2009 and 2010 cropping season. Weed Mgt Practices Yield (kg) Yield Increase Relative Yield Increase (%) (Kg) Rice Bran Burning Glyphosate Hoe Weeding (Twice) No weeding Table 5 Budgetary Analysis in Maize Trial under Different weed control Practices of I. cylindricaat Mokwa in 2009 and 2010 cropping seasons. Weed Mgt Total Revenue N/Ha Total Cost N/Ha Gross Margin N/Ha Return on Investment(ROI) Practices Mean Rice Bran 123, ,000 77,300 80,210 45,700 61,790 1,59 1, Burning Glyphosate 101, ,550 74,165 76,055 27,485 34, Application Hoe Weeding 101, ,450 79,149 81,045 22,301 29, (Twice) No weeding 8, ,010 69,405-59,930-55, Table 5 showing the streams of costs, revenue and gross margin per hectare together with return on investment in maize trial under different spear grass weed management practices. These indices were used to assess the economic benefits of the weed management practices. The farm budget analysis showed that rice bran burning had the greatest revenue, gross margin and return on a Naira investment per hectare consistently in 2009 and 2010 cropping season. It gives an average return on investment (ROI) of 1.68 while the check and the control gives an average ROI of1.32 and 0.16 respectively. This implies that from economics consideration burning of rice bran is better than others practices evaluated in this study in the management of spear grass in maize farm. There was delay in I. cylindrical emergence and no emergence of I. cylindrica on plots with rice husk burning until 10 WAP in 2009, at harvest in 2010.and when they occurs, they were the least abundance of the weed due to the treatment which is an indication that rice husk burning reduces the emergence of the weed. This might be due to overheating of the soil surface; hereby destroying the rhizomes formed by this weed. The aggressive and invasive nature of I. cylindrica is attributed to its rhizome, (Ivens 1980). Because of high regenerative ability and numerous buds, rhizomes have a high regenerative ability (Holms et al., 1977; Ivens 1980). Rice husk burning also supported significantly (p < 0.05) taller maize plants compared to hoe weeding and no weeding, higher number of maize cobs and grain yield compared to all other treatments evaluated in this study. This might be possibly due to the high fertility of the soil because of destruction of underground rhizome at the top soil (15 to 20 cm depth) which after decomposition serves as organic manure for maize performance. Application of glyphosate caused delay in the emergence of I. cylindrical compared to hoe weeding and no weeding. This

6 164 Isah et al might be due to the fact that hoe weeding is not able to remove the rhizome completely from the soil surface. Chikoye et al. (2002) observed similar result using hoe weeding where farmers have to weed severally because of continuous rhizome growth. In all cases, application of glyphosate and hoe weeding supported significantly taller plants, higher number of cobs and grain yield of maize compared with no weeding. It was also observed that rice bran had greater relative yield increase consistently in year 2009 and 2010 cropping seasons. It gave 23.58% and 32.83% relative yield increase against check (hoe weeding- 0.22%) and control (no weeding 100%) in 2009 and The same trend is observed in 2010 cropping season. This result support the findings of Chikoye et al., 2001 who reported complete crop failure when crops are grown in slashed plots without additional weeding. Conclusion and Recommendations It is evidenced from this study that rice husk burning is an effective and economic measure for Imperata cylindrica control in maize production. It is therefore recommended in fields with spot infestation of the weed to prevent further spread. However, in larger areas of infestation, the application of herbicide glyphosate at post emergence to weed is recommended. References Abou E, Hoda M, Mohammed A, Fawzy ZF (2006) Relationship, growth and yield. Agriculture Science Moshtohor 43: Akobundu IO, Ekeleme F (2000) Effects of method of Imperata cylindrical management on maize grain yield in the derived savanna of south-western, Nigeria. Weed Research 40: Akobundu IO, Udensi UE, Chikoye D (2000) Velvetbean (Muccuna spp.) suppresses speargrass (Imperata cylindrical (L.) Raeuschel) and increases maize yield. International Journal of Pest Management 46: Brook RM (1989) Review of literature on (Imperata cylindrical (L.) Raeuschel) with particular reference to Southeast Asia. Tropical Pest Management 35: Chien SH, Sale PWG, Freisen OK (1990) A Discussion of the Methods for Comparing the Relative Effective of Prostate Fertilizers Varying in Solubility. Fertilizer Research 24: Chikoye D, Ekeleme F, Udensi EU (2001) Imperata cylindrical suppression by intercropping cover crops in Zea mays/ Manihotes culenta systems. Weed Science 49: Chikoye D, Manyong YM, Carsky R, Ekeleme F, Gbehounou G, Ahanchede A (2002) Response of speargrass (Imperata cylindrica) to cover crops integrated with hand-weeding and chemical control in maize and cassava. Crop Protection 21: Emechebe AM, Singh BB, Lelegi TO, Atokple IDK, Abu KJ (1991) Cowpea Striga problems and research in Nigeria. In: Kim SK (ed) combating Striga in Africa. Proceedings International Workshop organized by IITA, ICRISAT and IDRC, Ibadan, August, 1988, pp FOS (2004) Nigerian statistical facts sheets on economic and social development, Federal office of statistics, Abuja, Nigeria pp Garrity DP, Soakadi M, Van Noordwijk M, De La Cruz R, Pathak PS, Gunasena HPM, Van So N, Huljun G, Majld NM (1997) The Imperata grasslands of tropical Asia area, distribution and typology. Agroforestry Systems 36: Holm LG, Plucknett DL, Pancho JV, Herberger JP (1977) The World, s Worst Weeds: Distribution and Biology, Honolulu, University Press of Hawaii, pp Ivens GW (1980) Imperata cylindrica (L) Beauv.in West African agriculture, BIOTROP Special Publication No. 5, Indonesia, pp Koch W, Grobmann F, Weber A, Lutzeyer HJ, Akobundu IO (1990). Weeds as components of maize/cassava cropping systems, in Stand ortgemaesse land wirts chaft in West Afrika. Universitaet Hohenheim, Sturtgart, Germany, pp , Makinde EA, Ayoola (2008) Residual influence of early season crop fertilization and cropping system on growth and yield of cassava. American Journal of Agriculture and Biological Science 3: Olukosi JO, Erhabor PO (1988). Introduction to farm management economics: principles and application. Agitab Publishers, Ltd, Zaria. Raemaekers RH (2001) Crop production in Tropical Africa, 2 nd edition, Longman Publishing Co. Ibadan, Nigeria, pp Sebuliba-Mutumba R (1999) Hand hoe weed management in beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)and its effect on weed growth and crop economic returns. In: Civings OA, Tussime G, Nampala P, Adipala E (eds) proceedings of the 17 th Biennaial Weed Science Society Conference for Eastern Africa, Harare, Zimbabwe September, Pp 1-5. Terry PJ, Adjers G, Akobundu IO, Anoka AU, Drilling ME, Tjtrosemito S, Utomo M (1997) Herbicides and mechanical control of Imperata cylindrica as a first step in grassland rehabilitation. Agroforestry Systems 36:

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