Allelopathic potential of corn residues to manage weeds in cowpea
Allelopathic potential of corn residues to manage weeds in cowpea
- Author(s) I.S. Alsaadawi*, H.M. Malih, N.R. Lahmod1 and A. Khaliq2
- Year: 2024
- Month: September
- Volume: 63
- Pages: 31-44
Field experiments were carried out at two sites to test the responses of weeds in cowpea crop to soil incorporation and surface mulching of corn residue alone or in combination with 50% rate of trifluralin herbicide. Conventional and zero tillage systems without corn residues, half of label rate and full label rate of trifluralin were included for comparison. Incorporated or mulched corn residues significantly reduced weed density and dry weight compared to conventional tillage treatment (control) at both sites. Residue incorporation and mulching plots in combination with 50% of label rate of trifluralin revealed significantly lower weed numbers and dry weight as compared to their respective controls. Soil incorporation and surface mulching of corn residue in combination with 50% rate of trifluralin achieved similar weed control and cowpea grain yield when compared to the 100% trifluralin treatment. Plots amended with corn residue showed greater levels of phenolics. Also, the periods of maximal suppressive effect against the test weed coincided with periods of maximum phenolic content, indicating the possible involvement of phenolics in weed suppression. Combination of allelopathic residues and a reduced rate of herbicides could reduce herbicide usage in agricultural systems while the weed control is not compromised.
