Effects of variety and pre-emergence herbicides on yield and economies of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production in Yola, Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria
Field trial was conducted during the 2017 and 2018 rainy seasons at the experimental farm site of the Department of Crop Production and Horticulture, Moddibo Adama University of Technology, Yola North Eastern, Nigeria to study the effects of varieties and weed control treatments on the yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) crop and to determine the cost – benefit of controlling weeds in groundnut. The experiment consisted of two groundnut varieties (SAMNUT 23 and KAMPALA) and 11 weed control treatments comprising of 3 different pre-emergence herbicides (Metolachlor, Butachlor and Pendimethalin) at 0.75, 1.0 and 1.25 kg a.i./ha + Supplementary hoe weeding (SHW) at 6 weeks after sowing (WAS) while weed-free check (hoe weeding at 3 and 6 WAS) and weedy check were included as control. The treatments were laid out using split-plot in a randomized complete block design with variety designated to the main plot and pre-emergence herbicides rates applied in the sub-plots and replicated three times. Data were collected on some plant, yield, weed and economic analysis characters of groundnuts. The data collected were analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to separate their means at 5% level of probability. The results showed that SAMNUT 23 variety recorded significantly the tallest plants, the widest canopy spread, the highest weed control efficiency, kernel yield, production cost/ha, net return/ha and the largest cost-benefit ratio than “KAMPALA” while “KAMPALA” achieved significantly the highest number of branches and haulm yield compared to SAMNUT 23. Both varieties obtained CBR of greater than 1.0 value. Among the weed control treatments, weed free check performed tremendously on growth, yield, weed control and economic analysis characters while weedy check performed poorly. Among the pre-emergence herbicides rates, metolachlor at 0.75kg a.i/ha + SHW at 6WAS produced the highest number of branches, widest canopy spread and the highest haulm yield/ha, metolachlor at 1.0kg a.i/ha + SHW at 6WAS recorded the highest kernel yield/ha, net income and the highest cost-benefit ratio (CBR). All herbicides treated plots achieved CBR of greater than 1.0 value. In conclusion, both SAMNUT 23 and KAMPALA varieties are recommended for profitable groundnut production. Also, metolachlor at 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 and Pendimethalin at 1.0 kg a.i./ha + SHW at 6WAS are also recommended for use as an alternative to two-hoe weeding (weed free check) for higher haulm yield, kernel yield and net return/ha of groundnut production in Yola, Nigeria.
Key words: Economies, groundnut, pre-emergence herbicides, variety, yield
Correspondence: akeweta@gmail.com, 08085020704
Download Paper