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Nishan Final
Nishan Final
Contact: 9865039374
Email: nishankhatri1234@gmail.com
Assistant Professor
Department of Agronomy
AFU, Rampur
1) Introduction............................................................................................................................................6
1.1) Background introduction......................................................................................................................6
Table 1: Area, Production and Yield of maize in Nepal...............................................................................7
Table 2: Area, Production and Productivity of maize of Banke District.......................................................8
1.2) Statement of problem..........................................................................................................................8
1.3) Rationale of the study..........................................................................................................................9
1.4) Objectives...........................................................................................................................................10
1.4.1) General objectives...........................................................................................................................10
1.4.2) Specific objectives...........................................................................................................................10
1.5) Hypothesis..........................................................................................................................................10
2) Literature review...................................................................................................................................11
2.1) Weed flora and their effects on maize yield.......................................................................................11
2.2) Effect of weed management on maize yield.......................................................................................12
2.3) Atrazine..............................................................................................................................................13
2.4 ) 2,4-D ethyl ester................................................................................................................................13
2.5) Effects of herbicidal control on weed density and yield of maize.......................................................14
3) Conceptual framework..........................................................................................................................15
4) Methodology.........................................................................................................................................16
4.1) Site selection......................................................................................................................................16
Figure: Map depicting Research site area.................................................................................................17
4.2) Experimental setup............................................................................................................................17
4.3) Field Layout........................................................................................................................................18
4.4) Variety................................................................................................................................................19
4.5) Manure and fertilizer application.......................................................................................................19
5) Observations to be taken......................................................................................................................20
5.1) Weather data during the crop season................................................................................................20
5.2) Soil characteristics..............................................................................................................................20
5.3) Date of sowing....................................................................................................................................20
5.4 ) Phenological Observation..................................................................................................................20
5.4.1) Emergence.......................................................................................................................................20
5.4.2) Plant population/m2.......................................................................................................................20
5.4.3) Days of tasseling..............................................................................................................................20
5.4.4) Days of silking..................................................................................................................................21
5.4.5) Days of physiological maturity.........................................................................................................21
5.5) Biometric observation........................................................................................................................21
5.5.1) Number of Leaf:...............................................................................................................................21
5.5.2 ) Leaf area index (LAI):......................................................................................................................21
5.5.3) Plant height.....................................................................................................................................21
5.5.4) Dry matter accumulation.................................................................................................................21
5.6) Observation on weed.........................................................................................................................22
5.6.1) Classification/ Identification of weed flora......................................................................................22
5.6.2) Weed density/ number...................................................................................................................22
5.6.3) Weed dry matter.............................................................................................................................22
5.6.4) Weed control efficiency (WCE)........................................................................................................22
5.7) Yield attributing characters................................................................................................................22
5.7.1) Number of harvested ears...............................................................................................................22
5.7.2) Ear length and circumference..........................................................................................................22
5.7.3) Number of kernels per ear..............................................................................................................23
5.7.4) Thousand Grain Weight (TGW) or Test weight:...............................................................................23
5.7.5) Shelling percentage.........................................................................................................................23
1) Introduction
There are several factors such as biotic and abiotic constraints to crop production, in addition to
the socioeconomic and crop management related issues. Weeds are the most important biotic
constraint to agricultural production that compete with the crops for the sunlight, water, nutrients
and space. Weed is a plant growing in the wrong place, in the wrong time i.e undesirable and that
declines yield production and quality of crop plants ultimately leading to higher cost in food
production (Pandya et al., 2005). Along with the increase in production cost, they also intensify
the disease and insect pest problem by serving as alternative hosts. Weed competition is one of
the most important limiting factors in crop production. The competitive ability weeds form a
serious negative effect in crop production and are responsible for marked losses in crop yield.
Yield loss due to weeds in maize varies from 28-93%, depending on the type of weed flora and
the intensity and duration of crop-weed competition (Sharma and Thakur, 1998). It is well
known fact that weeds through competition with crop, deprive crops of limited essential
resources prominent amongst which are nutrients. The best result of weed control can only be
seen in case of integrated weed management (Singh et, al., 2005). However, today several
research have proved that more and integrated research efforts are needed for weed management
in maize particularly at farmer’s field to disseminate a environment-friendly and resource
conservation technology to farmers under the changing socioeconomic conditions.
Herbicides are an integral part of any weed control system. Current dependence on herbicides
requires a more refined approach, particularly through correct application techniques, in order to
extend the life of many modes of action. Use of full herbicide rates, herbicide mixtures and
herbicide rotations may reduce the risk of evolution of resistance in weeds. These strategies need
particular attention in developing countries. Research also needs to be conducted on the
development and application of nanoherbicides in different cropping systems.
The present yield of maize in Nepal is at the minimal beside the great production potentiality.
Banke lies in mid-western terai of Nepal and maize is one of the major crops of Banke (Ministry
of Agriculture , 2017). There are many factors causing decline in productivity of maize. Weed
infestation is the one of the major problems of reduction in productivity of maize production in
terai area of Nepal. Weeds through competition with crop deprive crops of limited essential
resources prominent amongst which are nutrients. The extent of nutrient loss varies from 30-40%
of the applied nutrient (Mundra et al., 2002). Nitrogen is the first nutrient to become limiting in
most instances of weed-crop competition (Zimdahl, 1993). Thus, nutrient drain by weeds
assumes added significance in the present context of fertilizer crisis. In Nepalese condition as far
as the modern weed management strategies are concerned none are seen to be adopted by
farmers under maize based system except farmers practice of two times hand weeding at 30 DAS
and 45/60 DAS. All types of weeds like grassy weeds, broad leaved and sedges infest the maize
field at various stages of crop growth. Mainly annual weeds like Cynodon (Bermuda grass),
Digitaria and even Echinocloa, Sedges like Cyperus species and Fimbrystylis species and broad
leaf weeds such as Commelina, Ageratum, Cleome species. These species reduce the plant
height, decreases the cob length and number of grains per cob and ultimately the test weight. The
weed management practice adopted in maize is hand weeding, hoeing, earthing up, good crop
husbandry, use of inter cropping, crop rotation and use of various herbicides as sole application
etc. Hence, the scenario needs a effective intervention through genuine research findings on the
best weed management practice for the farmer to decrease crop less while increasing
productivity of maize. Also people prefer Indian hybrid variety over Nepali variety climatic and
soil unsuitability, lack of irrigation facility is main problem for spring maize cultivation.
Government of Nepal has implemented Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization project for
commercialization, mechanization and industrialization of agriculture sector at district/zone/state
level as block/zone/super zone since 2016. Banke is the emerging production hub of maize
through commercialization and mechanization, finally linking to industrialization with end
markets potentiality of maize and maize product. It is important to address the agronomic
constraints to improve the production and productivity of major crops especially for nations that
depends on agriculture. Maize is the major staple food of Nepal after rice. There is big yield gap
in maize for both hills and Terai. The national average yield of maize is 2.51t/ha but attainable
yield is lower than this. Although maize yields increased by 0.5% per year, which is not
sufficient to fulfill increasing population (1.35 % per year) demand. Increasing poultry industry
need about 664,000 mt maize per year so demand of maize increased by 11% per year. To meet
increasing maize demand for food, milk production, meat production, about 45% of total maize
consumed is imported from India. To reduce import only the option is to increase production of
maize through vertical and horizontal expansion. Weed is an important factor contributing in
reducing the yield of maize and other crop plant. Weeds responsible for marked loss (20-100%)
in maize crop yield. Therefore, control of weeds is vitally important not only to check the yield
losses caused by them but also to increase the fertilizer use efficiency. Management of weeds
through hoeing and herbicides can increase the uptake of nutrients and productivity of the crop
by decreasing the biomass and nutrient removal by the weeds. From this research we can teach
farmers to control weeds in effective manner and in the line of economics. Weed can be control
by many methods but control should be sustainable and economical. This research will help to
select the best methods to control the weed by the farmer in large scale that reduces the crop
weed competition ultimately increasing the production making the farmer better off and ensure
the food security of the nation.
1.4) Objectives
1.5) Hypothesis
Null hypothesis
Hₒ: There is no different between treatment in growth and yield of spring maize
Alternate hypothesis
Hₐ: There is significant difference between treatment in growth and yield of spring maize
2) Literature review
Agriculture is the backbone of Nepalese economy, means of livelihood for the majority of the
Nepalese population and the source of income and employment. Agriculture contributes about
25.7% of the GDP and 65.6% for the employment (MOALD,2020)
Maize ( Zea mays L) commonly known as corn in the USA and Canada, considered as the third
most important cereal grain worldwide after wheat and rice.(Golob et al.) Maize was considered
as the future cereal for its nutritional value and utilization of its products and by-products (lee,
1999). Due to diverse uses of the corn from human food and animal fed to ethanol production,
there has been significant increase of demand of maize throughout the world (FA0,2016). Maize
per capita consumption in Nepal was 98 g/person/day (Ranum et al., 2014). Along with serving
as human food and animal feed, maize was found to be applied for industrial applications. In
addition to staple food, maize also served as a basic raw material as an ingredient to thousands of
industrial products starch, oil, protein, alcoholic beverages, food sweeteners, pharmaceuticals,
cosmetic, film, textile, gum, package and paper industries etc. (Masood, et al., 2011).
Mode of action: It is mostly absorbed through roots as pre-emergence application in maize and
enters the plant parts rapidly, then accumulates in the apical meristem and in chloroplasts of
susceptible weed species. Photosynthesis and enzyme reaction are inhibited by it. At first, in
mature leaves it causes foliar chlorosis showing margin inwards. It prevents the opening of
stomata in the presence of the light by reducing thickness of cell wall. Plant and root system are
weakened by the inhibition of carbohydrate synthesis resulting in subsequent death of weeds
(Kannur, 2008).
Uses: Selective preemergence herbicide for control of many broadleaf weeds and grasses in
maize, sorghum, sugarcane, pineapple, turf and orchards. However, in non-crop areas and in
minimal or no tillage programmes in maize and sorghum it is also used as non-selective
herbicides (Rao, 2000). It is recommended at the rate of 1- 4 kg actual/ ha and 10-15 kg actual/ha
as seasonal soil sterilant.
Site selection
Meteorological Information
Collection of Data
Date of emergence
Plant height
Days to 50% silking
Number of leaf/ LAI
Identification of weed
Length of cob
flora
Number of row per cob
Weed density
Number of grain per row
Yield per plot
Thousand grain weight
Data Analysis
Preparation and Submission of Report
4) Methodology
The research will be conducted in Dudhuwa vdc, ward number 06, Hirminia, Banke, Nepal in the
field of Mr. lakchhu Prasad Varma, one of the progressive farmers of the region. The farmers of
this region are actively involved in maize cultivation. The field area is located at 280 03' N
latitude and 810 37' E longitude in Province No.5, Mid- western Nepal. Site lies at an altitude of
150 masl with sub-tropical climate. Sandy loam type of the soil is found.
Figure: Map depicting Research site area.
Design: RCBD
Spacing: 60* 25 cm
Replication: 3
Treatments: 7
T4 = Control
T1 T2 T3 T4
50cm
R1
T5 T6 T7
2.5 m
4.2 m
1m
T7 T4 T2 T6
50 cm R2
T1 T3 T5
T3 T7 T5 T1
R3
T4 T2 T6
4.4) Variety
Rampur Hybrid -10 will be used for the cultivation i. e the released variety for general
cultivation in Terai and inner terai of Nepal. It matures in about 120-140 days which has the
yield potential of 10 t/ ha. It has been popular for its tolerant to drought, heat and some of the
insects like the stem borer and aphids.
5) Observations to be taken
5.4.1) Emergence:
Seed emergence will be recorded when about 50% of the seedling will have emerged out of the
soil.
The appearance of black layer between ear surface and ear grains and occurrence of senescence
of ear husks will be considered as an indication to physiological maturity.
Total number of weeds from 0.3 m 2 of each net plot will be recorded at3 rd. week, 6th week and at
harvest period with the help of quadrate(0.6*0.5). Weed density will be expressed in weeds/ m2.
WP
Where, WPc and WPt are weeds population (Number per sq. m) in control and treated plots
respectively
Where,
GMC = grain moisture content at harvest (%) NHA = net harvested area (m2)
5.8.4 B: C ratio:
It will be calculated by following formula;
6) Data analysis
All the data collected and will be entered in Ms-excel program analyzed by using R studio and R
stat. 5% level of the significance will be considered for analysis of the variance. The regression
and correlation of the variables will be computed.
Source of Degree of S. S M.S F- F- tabulated
variation Freedom calculated 5% level of 1% level of
significance significance
Replication r-1= 2
Treatment t-1 = 6
Error (r-1) (t-1)
=12
Total rt-1 = 20
7) Expected output
Suitable and effective weeding technique for maximizing the yield of the maize
will be identified.
Efficiency of the herbicides will be identified.
Critical period of the crop weed crop competition will be identified.
Haphazard use of the herbicide will be controlled.
Economics of the weed control method will be determined.
8) Beneficiaries
Maize growers of the zone area will get the primary beneficiaries.
Identified result will also be fitted for the maize grower of similar agro ecological
region of banke district.
Farmers will get the appropriate and economic weed management techniques for
the spring maize.
Increasing the yield of maize, economic condition and food insecurity problem
will be improved.
Researchers, students and the organizations working in this area will get the
secondary beneficiaries.
Tertiary beneficiary will be the maize consumers and the businessman.
Assumption
Parameters that will affect the germination remains constant.
The environmental condition will remain favourable i.e weather remained suitable.
Labour, input and funds are easily and timely available.
Herbicide will be efficient with minimum harmful effect.
Soil analysis
3 Seed 1500
6 Sowing 1500
Total 29,150
12) References
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Oekre, E. C. (2005). Crop losses to pest. The Journal of Agriculture Science,143 , 1-1
Sharma, V., & Thakur, D. R. (1998). Intigrated weed management in maize in mid hill condition
of north western himalayas. Indian Journal of Weed Science 30(3-4) , 158-162.
Shrestha, A., & Shrestha, J. (2017). Production,Problems and decision making aspects of maize
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