METHODS OF WEED CONTROL –

DEFINITION, CHARACTERISTICS AND

METHODS OF WEED DISPERSAL

By
Mrs. Chidinma Nwoye
 Lesson Objectives

1. Define the term weed.

2. Enumerate the characteristics of weed.

3. Describe methods of weed dispersal.

4. Analyze the effects of weeds on crop plants.

2
A weed is a plant growing where it is not
wanted or planted. They are, therefore plants
out of place.

Weeds can also be defined as unwanted plants

in our farm. In effect, a yam growing in a corn
field is a weed.

Farmers should therefore work hard to

control weeds in their farms, since losses in
crops yield due to weeds may be far greater
than those due to plant pest and disease.
 Characteristics of Weed

Easily Dispersed- Weed plants usually produce

many seeds. These seeds can be spread from place
to place( dispersed) by man, animals, birds, wind,
water or even by explosive mechanism.

Long Dormancy- Some weed seeds can remain

dormant for days or even months. Such weed
seeds germinate and grow when conditions become
favourable for plant growth e.g when the rainy
season starts.
 Effects Of Weeds On Crop Plants
1. Weeds compete with crops for space, sunlight,
water, and mineral salts.
2. Some weeds harbor pests that attack crops.
3. Some weeds are poisonous and cause stomach
upset in man and livestock.
4. Weeds reduce the value of pasture. For
example, bitter weed adds unwanted flavor to
the milk of grazing animals.
5. Removing the weed is laborious and increases
the cost of production.
6. Weeds can reduce the market value of crops.
Thank You!