Screening of Rice Varieties for their Weed Competitiveness
Abstract
158 words
Weed competition is a major constraint in rice production
systems in Africa. This study was conducted at the Africa Rice
Experimental Station in Benin in the dry and rainy seasons to
screen rice varieties for weed competitiveness. The experiment
was factorial under a a split plot design with 14 contrasting
cultivars planted under three weeding regimes: 0, 1 and 4
weedings. Agro-morphological characters, growth indeces and
weeds were used to evaluate the cultivars. Highly significant
differences (P<0.0001) between cultivars were observed. The
impact of weeds on agro-morphological traits was expressed
through an increasing senescence of plants in relation to the
weeding regime. Weed-competitive cultivars typically showed
a leaf area index less than 3, a high specific leaf area and a
Soil-Plant Analyses development (SPAD) unit less than 30. High
affinities between traits were observed and three types of
descriptors were identified based on their broad sense
heritability. CG20, an O. glaberrima variety was the most
competitive against weeds.
Subjects
1 categoryRelated papers
More in Working Document Series →- Agronomic performance and carotenoid content of Kenyan yellow-fleshed cassava clones
- The interaction between host plant resistance and biological control presents opportunities for plant breeders in Africa’s integrated pest management programs
- Enhancing climate resilience of cropping systems: A synopsis of research activities by crop scientists at University of Nairobi
- Comparative effects of soybean, grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp) and nitrogen on Striga (Striga hermonthica) and maize yield in western Kenya