ON-FARM EVALUATION OF ALTERNATE HERBICIDES FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN ARSI REGION OF ETHIOPIA

摘要

Several broadleaf herbicides were screened on station in the wheat growing areas of Ethiopia in 1991 and 1992 to widen the range of alternative weed control measures for peasant farmers. Considering efficacy and effect on wheat grain yield, only two herbicides Starane M and Banvel P were found to be promising in southeastern Ethiopia from among ten products tested. In 1993, the two promising herbicides were tested at three different rates, including higher and lower than the company recommendations.There was no difference in grain yield among the three rates for both herbicides. In 1994, the reduced rate of each herbicide was verified under two different nitrogen (N) levels by superimposing treatments on farmers' fields. Starane M effectively controlled broadleaf weeds better than Banvel P or 2,4-D. The herbicides gave significantly higher grain yields as compared to the unweeded check. Moreover, the application of N significantly increased grain yield; however, the application of N without controlling broadleaf weeds reduced grain yield significantly. Starane M with the application of N was the most profitable treatment for the farmers.