Field Evaluation of Cassava Effluent, Hoe Weeding, and Pendimethalin on Weed Growth and Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Performance

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of different weed control methods on okra crop yield. Field trials were conducted during the rainy seasons of 2017 and 2018 at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan. Eight weed management methods and two controls were implemented at sowing, 3, and 5 weeks after sowing (WAS). The methods included Pendimethalin at sowing, Cassava effluent at 3 WAS, Hoe-weeding at 3 WAS, Cassava effluent at 3 WAS combined with Hoe- weeding at 5 WAS, Hoe-weeding at 3 and 5 WAS, Cassava effluent at 3 and 5 WAS, Pendimethalin combined with Cassava effluent at 5 WAS, and Pendimethalin combined with Hoe-weeding at 5 WAS. The experiment followed a Randomised Complete Block Design with three replications. Data on okra and weed growth parameters were collected at 5 and 9 WAS, while yield-related parameters were evaluated from 9 WAS. Analysis of variance showed varying weed control efficiencies, ranging from -48.0% (Pendimethalin, 2017 trial) to 94.3% (Hoe-weeding at 3 and 5 WAS, 2018). Pendimethalin enhanced okra growth at 5 WAS in the 2017 trial, similar to Pendimethalin combined with Hoe-weeding at 5 WAS and Hoe-weeding at 3 and 5 WAS at 9 WAS in the 2017 and 2018 trials, respectively. The highest and lowest okra fruit weights (gm-2) were recorded from Hoe-weeding at 3 and 5 WAS (572.9, 2018) and Cassava effluent at 3 and 5 WAS (23.9, 2018), respectively. While one-off weed control treatments did not provide season-long effects, Pendimethalin combined with Hoe-weeding at 5 WAS and Hoe-weeding at 3 and 5 WAS treatments effectively enhanced okra yield and maintained weed control throughout the season. These treatments are recommended for efficient weed management in okra production.