Abstract:
Production of the early varieties of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) K. Schum.) is increasing because of their earliness and drought tolerance in the face of a shortening and decreasing rainy season. Weeds were considered as a major constraint on improving yields. To improve weed management in millet, the major weeds have been identified in on-farm surveys as a pre-requisite to identifying appropriate weed control recommendations. Grain yield losses incurred by farmers' weeding practices were found to range from 27 to 36%. Early control of weeds within-the-rows, either by handhoeing or by band application of low rates of atrazine or propazine, increased yields by more than 50% in 1985 and by more than 30% in 1986 over farmers' practice. The band herbicide treatment was, however, more cost-effective and easier-to-accomplish than handweeding of weeds within-the-rows
