Weed and Weed Control.

6. WEEDS AND WEED CONTROL.
Definition of terms Harmful effects of weeds.

1. A weed-any plant growing where it 1. They compete with crops for
is not wanted and whose economic nutrients, light, space, water/
disadvantages outweigh its economic moisture hence lower yield.
advantages. For example maize 2. Some weeds e.g. witch weed
growing voluntarily in a field of (Striga sp) are parasitic to crops
beans is called a weed. e.g. maize (i.e. derive nutrients
2. Self-setters-crops/weeds that directly from roots of maize crop).
volunteer to grow without having 3. Some weeds are poisonous to man
been planted. and livestock e.g. thorn apple
3. Noxious weeds-weeds which are (Datura stramonium) sodom apple
dangerous and their cultivation is (Solanum incanum).
prohibited by law.
© Sam obare 28 May 2021
2
4. Some weeds act as alternative hosts for 6. Some weeds are allelopathic i.e.
insect pests and diseases e.g. Mallow and produce poisonous substances that
Subukia weed are alternate hosts for suppress the growth of some crops
cotton strainers, Wild oats act as alternate or germination of some seeds
host for rusts. when they come into contact.
5. Some weed seeds mix with farm/ 7. Some weeds block irrigation
agricultural produce hence reducing the channels making it difficult for
quality. Examples: water to flow freely in the irrigated
a) Mexican marigold (Tagetes minuta) taint land.
milk/give undesirable flavor to milk when
fed on.
b) Devil’s horse whip, Forget-me-not ,
black jack, get attached to sheep wool
lowering its quality.
3
8. Aquatic weeds e.g. water hyacinth 10. Some weeds are difficult to
(in Lake Victoria) , Salvinia (in Lake handle and control because they
Naivasha) affect fishing because they irritate the workers hence
block navigation and deprive fish and reducing their efficiency e.g.
other water animals of oxygen Double thorn (Oxygonum
dissolved in water. stinuatum), Stinging nettle
9. Some weeds lower the quality of (Urtica massaica) , devil’s
horse whip Achyranthes
pastures reducing the carrying aspera).
capacity. For example;
11. Weeds increase the cost of
a) Tick berry (Lantana camara) crop production through
suppress pasture growth. their control.
b) Nut grass (Cyperus
rotundus) lower the palatability
of pasture.
4
BENEFITS OF WEEDS TO FARMERS. 4. Leguminous weeds fix

1. Some are edible/ used as food by man atmospheric nitrogen thus
and livestock e.g. Pig weed (Amaranthus improves soil fertility.
sp), wandering jew (Commelina 5. They add organic matter into the
benghalensis) and grass weeds. soil after decomposition which
2. Some weeds have medicinal value/ are help to improve soil fertility.
a source of herbal medicine to both 6. Some weeds can be used as mulch.
human beings and livestock e.g. 7. Some are used to make hedges/
sodom apple ( Solanum incamun). live fences e.g. Tick berry.
3. Weeds act as soil cover, thus reducing
soil erosion/ preventing capping due
to the impact of the raindrops.

5
FACTORS THAT MAKE WEEDS BETTER 5. Some weeds have underground

COMPETITORS THAN CROPS/ FACTORS storage structures e.g. Oxalis has
THAT CONTRIBUTE TO COMPETITIVE bulbs e.tc.
ABILITY OF WEEDS.
B. Weeds are well adapted to the
A. Weeds have successful means of
environment for example:
propagation for example:
1. Ability to produce large quantities of seeds 1. Weeds have elaborate or extensive
e.g. pig weed and black jack. root system for support and
absorption of water and mineral salts.
2. Weeds seeds remain viable in the soil for a
long time waiting for favorable conditions 2. Have a short lifecycle which can be
to germinate. completed within the restricted rain
3. Most weeds are easily and successfully period.
dispersed e.g. black jack. 3. Weeds have the ability to survive even
4. Some weeds have the ability to propagate when there is limited nutrient supply.
vegetatively e.g. couch grass and wandering
jew.
Classification of weeds.
6
 Three criteria used in classifying weeds (b) Plant morphology (the shape
include: of the leaves).
(a) Growth cycle. i. Narrow leaved weeds, e.g. most
i. Annual weeds - complete their grass weeds.
life cycle within one year/ season ii. Broad leaved weeds e.g. Black jack,
e.g. Mexican Marigold, Black Jack, Oxalis, Lantana, Pig weed, Devil
pig weed. horse whip.
ii. Perennial weeds - complete their (c) Number of cotyledons.
life cycle within a period of more i. Monocotyledonous weeds.
than 2 years e.g. Sedges, Lantana,
Kikuyu grass, Wandering jew, Couch ii. Dicotyledonous weeds.
grass, Sodom apple.
iii. Biennial weeds- complete their
cycle in two years.

COMMON WEEDS
7
 It has underground bulbs (that

remain dormant and re-grow
later).
 Chemical method/ translocated
chemical is the suitable method
of control because it has
underground bulbs.
 It has a short lifecycle.

2. Black jack (Bidens pilosa)- ‘Ekemogamogia’
8
 It has good dispersal mechanism

(hooks that attach to animal’s body)
 Produces a lot of viable seeds.
 It irritates the farmer.
 Seeds contaminate crops/lower the
quality.
 Compete for nutrients, water and
space.
 It may act as alternate host for
some pests and diseases.

3. Mexican marigold (Tagetes minuta) ‘Omotiokia’
9
 Produces large quantities of

seeds.
 It lowers the quality of product
(It taints milk when fed to
lactating cows).

4. Double thorn (Oxygonum sinuatum)
10
 The thorns lower the

palatability of pasture.
 Thorns also injure livestock
and irritate farmers reducing
their efficiency.

5. Thorn apple (Datura stramonium)
11
 It is poisonous to livestock and

human beings.
 Can grow in areas with low
nutrient level.

6. Couch grass (Digitaria scalarum)- ‘Ekenyambi”
12
 It is difficult to control because it has

well-developed underground rhizomes.
Cultural methods of control.
i. Mulching.
ii. Cover cropping.
iii. Crop rotation.
iv. Timely planting.
v. Proper spacing.
vi. Flooding.
vii. Clean seedbed preparation.

7. Nut grass (Cyperus rotundas)- ‘Endwani’
13
 It is difficult to control because

it has underground
tubers/bulbs/nuts.
 It lowers the quality of pastures.

8. Wandering Jew (Commelina benghalensis) – ‘Rikongiro’
14
 It is difficult to control
because it propagates
vegetatively.

9. Sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus)
15
 It exude milky latex when cut.

it produces hairy white pappus
seeds dispersible by wind.

10. Devil’s horsewhip (Achranthes aspera).
16
 It has thorny stem which irritates

the workers reducing efficiency.
 It attaches to the wool lowering
the quality.

11. Macdonald eye/Gallant solder (Galinsoga parviflora)-
‘Omenta’
17

it has excellent means of
propagation or produces many
seeds.
 It also has a short life cycle.

12. Sodom apple (Solanum incanum)- ‘Omoratora’
18
 It is poisonous to man and

livestock.
it has thorns and has the ability
to regenerate from roots.

13. Black night shade (Solanum nigram)- ‘Rinagu’
19
 It has a short life cycle.

 It produces numerous seeds.
 It is used as a vegetable.

14. Chinese lantern (Nicandra physalodes)
20
 It has a short life cycle.

 Leaves has toothed margins.

15. Bracken fern (Pteridium acquilinum)- ‘Eengwe’
21
 It is poisonous to cattle.
it has underground rhizomes.

16. Cleavers /Goose grass (Gallium spurium)
22
 It cleaves to cereal crops and

makes harvesting difficult.
 It irritates the workers (thus
reducing their efficiency).

17. Stinging nettle (Utica massaica)- ‘Risa’
23
 It causes irritation to workers

hence reducing their efficiency.
 It has medicinal value.
 It propagates vegetatively.
 It can be used as vegetable.

18. Fat hen/Goosefoot (Chenopodium murale)
24
 It has a short life cycle and

produces numerous seeds.

19. Wild oats (Avena fatua)
25
 It is common where cereals e.g.

wheat are grown.
it produces tillers at the base.
 It acts as alternate host for pests
and diseases.
 Lowers the quality of produce.

20. Lantana/Tick berry (Lantana camara) – ‘Riuga
rikwara’
26
 It forms impermeable thickets.

 The leaves have rough upper
surfaces.
 It produces green fruits which
ripen into black clusters.
 Berries are poisonous to
livestock.
 It suppresses pastures lowering
carrying capacity.

21. Pig weed (Amaranthus hybridus)- ‘Emboga’
27
 It is difficult to control
because it has a short lifecycle
and can survive even under
short rains.
 It is used as vegetable and
fodder crop.

22. Witch weed (Striga hermonthica).
28
 It is poisonous to cereals i.e.

attaches itself to the roots of cereals
(maize, sorghum and millet) and obtains
nutrients from them.
Control.
i. Crop rotation.
ii. Uprooting and destroying.
iii. Application of organic manure.
iv. Use of resistant/tolerant varieties.
v. Intercropping/inter planting cereals
with legumes.
vi. Use of selective herbicides.

23. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
29
 It is a floating aquatic weed.

 It affects fishing.
 It is difficult to control because it
has thick fleshy rhizome (hence
propagates vegetatively).

24. Love grass/bristly foxtail (Setaria verticillata)
30
 It attaches to animal wool

reducing the quality.

WEED CONTROL.
31
Advantages of timely weed 5. To reduce multiplication of

control. weed seeds.
1. To prevent injury to the 6. To reduce the cost of
farmer/livestock. production through their
2. To avoid contamination of produce control.
with weed seeds/tainting of milk. 7. To prevent establishment of
3. To reduce competition for light, weeds in the field.
water, space and nutrients.
4. To minimize the spread of pests
and diseases.

32
Factors that determine the METHODS OF WEED CONTROL

choice of weed control method. A. PHYSICAL/MECHANICAL
1. Cost of the method. METHODS OF WEED CONTROL.
2. Applicability of the method.  The methods include:
3. Type of weed controlled. 1. Tillage/ploughing/cultivation-

4. The crop in which the weed is to done by use of hand tools/tractor-
be controlled. drawn implements.
5. Environmental factors.  It controls weeds by exposing the roots
to air hence lose water them and burying
6. Availability and suitability of the them thus killing them.
tool.
 Cultivation should be done during the
7. Effectiveness of the method. dry season to ensure better drying of
weeds.
 Weeds should also be destroyed before
they produce the seeds so as to break
their lifecycle.
33
Advantages of tillage/ cultivation Disadvantages of tillage method.

method. 1. Excessive tillage destroys soil
1. It is cheap hence good option for small structure.
scale farmers. 2. Tillage creates a suitable tilth for
2. It improves soil aeration. weed germination growth.
3. It opens up the soil allowing water 3. It is expensive and laborious if
infiltration into the soil thus land is large.
minimizing soil erosion. 4. It is not effective in controlling
4. During tillage, crop residues are perennial weeds.
incorporated into the soil to form 5. Excessive tillage may lead to water
organic manure. loss, soil erosion and damage to
5. It controls soil-borne pests and diseases crop roots.
by exposing them to scorching sun or
predators.
6. During tillage earthing up can be done
which allows root growth, tuber
development, and easy harvesting of
crops. © Sam obare 28 May 2021
34
2. Slashing/Mowing- cutting 3. Uprooting- used to control

of shoots using slashers/panga. annual weeds. It is done where
 It is suitable in controlling weeds are scattered or spacing
annual weeds, especially if it is is too close.
done repeatedly. Advantages.
Advantages. i. It is cheap.
i. Maintains soil structure/ ii. It maintains soil
controls soil erosion. structure/controls soil
ii. It is cheap. erosion.
Disadvantages. Disadvantages.
i. It is not effective to control i. It is not effective in
perennial weeds. controlling perennial weeds.

35
B. CULTURAL METHODS OF 4. Timely planting- this allows

WEED CONTROL. the crop to establish fast so as to
1. Mulching- smothers weeds thus effectively hence smothering
preventing their growth through weeds.
depriving them of sunlight. 5. Use of clean seed/ planting
2. Cover cropping- forms a foliage materials- this is done to avoid
cover that smother weeds. the introduction of new weeds
into the field.
3. Crop rotation- crops with
associated weeds e.g. maize and 6. Proper spacing- this creates
witch weed are rotated/ alternated little space for weed growth.
with crops that do not have. This is  It also helps to from the canopy
done to prevent germination of which suppresses weed growth.
striga sp.
 Cover crops included in crop
rotation program help to smother
weeds.

36
7. Clean seed bed/proper seedbed Advantages of cultural methods

preparation- it starts off the crops of weed control.
on a clean seed bed so that they i. Does not cause environmental
effectively compete with weeds. pollution.
 It is done through harrowing or ii. It is cheap.
spraying herbicide in a recently
ploughed seed bed before planting. iii. It helps to control soil erosion.
8. Flooding-this is done in rice fields iv. It helps to improve soil structure.
to discourage the growth of non- v. It helps to improve soil fertility.
aquatic weeds.
9. Proper placement of fertilizer-
it aims at providing nutrients only to
the crops at planting holes so that the
crops establish faster and compete
effectively for the weeds.

37
C. LEGISLATIVE METHOD/ Reasons for quarantine.

QUARANTINE. i. To test the purity of seeds to
 This method involves prevent the entry of
governmental laws and acts noxious/foreign weeds into
which ensure that any imported the country.
crop materials do not have weed ii. To test the purity to prevent
seeds. the entry/spread of
 This helps to prevent pests/diseases into the
introduction of weeds into a country.
country or spreading from one iii. For quality control.
part to another.
Limitation of quarantine.
 Only sample specimens are
checked while the bulk materials
may have some weed seeds.
38
D. BIOLOGICAL WEED Advantages of biological

CONTROL . method of weed control.
 This is the use of living organisms to i. It is cheap after establishment.
control weeds. It is usually done in ii. It does not cause
combination with other methods. pollution/there is no
 Examples include: environmental
i. Using cover crops to smother degradation/has no chemical
weeds. residues.
ii. Use of livestock e.g. goats to graze iii. It saves on labor.
on weeds in plantation crops e.g. Disadvantages.
coconuts. i. Does not eliminate weeds
iii. Use of beetles/ weed eating fish to completely.
control water hyacinth in lake ii. It requires a lot of research to
victoria. be effective.
iv. Use of moths to control cactus.
39
E. CHEMICAL WEED CONTROL. Ways through which

 It involves the use of chemicals called
herbicides kill weeds/action
herbicides. of herbicides to kill weeds.
Field conditions that require the 1. They inhibit nitrogen
use of chemicals to control metabolism- by interfering
weeds. with DNA and RNA and
enzyme functions e.g.
1. Water logged conditions. Glycophosate and Triazines.
2. Closely spaced crops. 2. They kill the cell- by
3. Irritating/thorny weeds. penetrating through the cell
4. Unavailability of labour. wall and killing the entire cell
e.g. Diquat, Dinoseb and oils.
5. Steep/sloppy land.
6. Large scale farms.
7. Weeds with underground storage
organs.
40
3. They cause abnormal tissue CLASSIFICATION OF

development- like twisting HERBICIDES.
and gall formation e.g. 2,4 –D,
M.C.P.A. Criteria used to classify
herbicides.
4. They inhibit
photosynthesis- by A. Formulation- this is the
interfering with chlorophyll form in which the herbicides
formation e.g. Atrazines, are available.
Simazines, Duron, Linuron,  They include:
Uracils. 1. Liquids – they are soluble in
5. They inhibit respiration- by water or oil e.g. paraquat,
blocking movement of Dalapon.
respiratory substrates/ materials
from the site of manufacture to
other areas. This causes acute
poisoning e.g. Dinozebs.
41
2. Wettable powder- these are 3. Granules- applied directly into

finely ground particles. the soil e.g. Duron.
 They are mixed with water to form B. Mode of action-
suspension before application.  They include:
 A spreader is applied in the i. Contact herbicides- they kill
suspension to prevent flocculation only the parts of the weed/ plant
(the particles from sticking they come into contact.
together) .
ii. Systemic/translocated
 A spreader is a substance which herbicides- they kill the whole
causes the particles to disperse and plant/ weed even if it has come
not stick together forming clusters. into contact with a small part of
 It also helps the herbicide to spread it.
on the surface where it is applied.  They are absorbed into the plant
e.g. Atrazines, Simazines and Duron. and are translocated to all parts of
the plant.
42
 Systemic herbicides are suitable to D. Selectivity- this is the ability

control weeds with underground storage of herbicides to kill weeds
structures e.g. oxalis, couch grass etc. selectively.
C. Stage/time of application. i. Selective herbicides- it
i. Pre- sowing- applied before planting kills some weeds and spares
of the crop. others.
ii. Pre- emergence- applied after ii. Non- selective
planting but before germination e.g. herbicides- kills all weeds.
Simazines, Atrazines.
iii. Post-emergence- applied after
germination/transplanting of the crop
e.g. Paraquat, 2, 4-D, M.C.P.A.,
Glycophosate.
43
Factors that influence/ affect the 3. Stage of plant growth-Young

selectivity and effectiveness of plants are more susceptible to
herbicides. herbicides because of their high
1. Herbicide characteristics- growth activity.
herbicides which interfere with 4. Method of application- High
photosynthesis are non selective. selectivity is obtained by placing
2. Metabolic factors./ the herbicide where the weed is
physiological factors- some and away from the crop
plants e.g. beans have poor rate of 5. The concentration of the
absorption and translocation of herbicide- under high
herbicides hence less affected. concentration the herbicide is
 Some e.g. maize are able to likely to kill all kinds of plants.
detoxify/ neutralize herbicides 6. Formulation- oil formulations
through action of enzymes. are more toxic to plants.

44
7. Morphology of the plant- it c) Nature of leaf surface- plants with

includes: thick and waxy cuticles are less likely
a) Leaf angle- plants/ weeds with to retain herbicides hence less
more inclined leaf angle e.g. grass susceptible.
weeds retain less herbicide hence d) Differential heights of plants- if
less susceptible than those with weeds are shorter than crop or the
horizontal angles e.g. dicot. crop shorter than weeds then
b) Location of growing selectivity can be obtained e.g.
points/buds- the growing spraying weeds under coffee bushes.
points in dicot weeds are exposed
than in grass weeds hence more
susceptible to herbicides.

45
d) Difference in root system- 8. Environmental factors- they

weeds with shallow roots are include:
susceptible to herbicides while a) Rainfall- if it rains immediately
deep-rooted weeds require after application, the rain water
herbicides with long residual may dilute the herbicide to non-
effect. toxic levels or wash away the
e) Specialized structures- chemicals. This reduces
weeds with underground effectiveness.
structures (rhizomes, bulbs) b) Wind- may blow the herbicide to
e.g. oxalis are not easily killed unintended crop while decreasing
by herbicides. chemical concentration on
intended crop.

46
c) Light- increase in light intensity Advantages of using herbicides

increases the rate of respiration 1. Herbicide application requires
and photosynthesis hence less labour than mechanical
increasing the rate of absorption cultivation.
and translocation of herbicides.
2. Herbicides are better adapted to
 This causes faster killing. Some the control of certain
herbicides may be decomposed by bothersome weeds e.g. couch
high light intensity hence become grass.
less effective.
3. Use of herbicides does not
d) Temperature- temperature disturb crop roots and other
increases translocation and underground structures.
absorption of more herbicides and
therefore death of the plant. 4. They make the control of weeds
in certain crops e.g. wheat,
e) Soil- some soil absorb and retain barley and carrots easier.
more herbicides than others hence
making it less effective.
47
5. Herbicide application is efficient in Disadvantages of using herbicides.

both wet and dry soil conditions. 1. It requires skilled labor in mixing and
6. Herbicide application does not application
disturb soil hence soil structure is 2. There are risks to the environment and
maintained (hence facilitating the user.
minimum tillage.
3. Some herbicides have long residual
7. The herbicides are more convenient effect which may interfere with future
to use in certain crops e.g. sisal and crops.
sugarcane and also in weeds that
cause injury/ irritation to the Methods of herbicide application.
farmer. 1. Spraying- application of liquid/wettable
8. It is cheaper in the long run than the powder herbicides to kill weeds.
use f manual/ mechanical 2. Soil fumigation/sterilization- it is the
cultivation. application of the soil fumigants to kill
weeds/mixing of fumigants/sterilants
to the soil.

48
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN 5. The user must bath thoroughly

HANDLING/ USING HERBICIDES. after handling chemicals and not
A. To avoid harm to self/user. to eat before bathing.
1. Read the manufacturer’s instructions B. To avoid danger to other
and follow them. people and environment.
2. The user should wear protective 6. The user should avoid herbicide
clothing e.g. overall, breathing mask, drift to unintended crops by
gloves and boots. avoiding spraying on windy days.
3. Avoid inhaling the herbicide (by not 7. Avoid drift of chemicals to
spraying against wind, not smoking animal feeds and water.
while spraying and wearing a
breathing mask).
4. The user must not blow or suck
blocked nozzles.
49
8. The user should avoid spilling 11. Spraying equipment must not
herbicides in places which are be washed in water sources
unintended and where they which are used by animals and
may cause danger to animals humans.
e.g. pastures and fodder crops. 12. All chemicals must be stored
9. Any left-overs and empty in safe places out of reach of
containers must be disposed off children and away from food.
properly by burying them.
10. Avoid throwing the empty
containers in gardens, bushes
or in pastures.

50
Herbicide combination used 4. In coffee/tea- Dalapon,

in Kenya. Duron and Linuron, Paraquat
1. In maize and beans- (for annual weeds)
Alachlor and Atrazine, 5. In cotton, groundnuts/
Metachlor and Atrazine. beans- Oxidazon, Oxflurfen,
2. In sugarcane- Paraquat and Oxachazon and Promactyne,
Duron, M.C.P.P. and Loxyril, pendimethalin
Atrazine and Cynazine.
3. In vegetables- Duron,
Linuron, nitrogen and
Prometrynal metrolochlor.

Weed and Weed Control.

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Weed and Weed Control.

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Weed and Weed Control.

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

6. WEEDS AND WEED CONTROL.

Definition of terms Harmful effects of weeds.

BENEFITS OF WEEDS TO FARMERS. 4. Leguminous weeds fix

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

FACTORS THAT MAKE WEEDS BETTER 5. Some weeds have underground

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It has underground bulbs (that

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It has good dispersal mechanism

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 Produces large quantities of

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 The thorns lower the

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It is poisonous to livestock and

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It is difficult to control because it has

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It is difficult to control because

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It exude milky latex when cut.

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It has thorny stem which irritates

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It is difficult to control because

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It is poisonous to man and

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It has a short life cycle.

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It has a short life cycle.

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It cleaves to cereal crops and

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It causes irritation to workers

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It has a short life cycle and

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It is common where cereals e.g.

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It forms impermeable thickets.

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It is poisonous to cereals i.e.

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It is a floating aquatic weed.

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

 It attaches to animal wool

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

Advantages of timely weed 5. To reduce multiplication of

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

Factors that determine the METHODS OF WEED CONTROL

3. Type of weed controlled. 1. Tillage/ploughing/cultivation-

Advantages of tillage/ cultivation Disadvantages of tillage method.

2. Slashing/Mowing- cutting 3. Uprooting- used to control

© Sam obare 28 May 2021

B. CULTURAL METHODS OF 4. Timely planting- this allows