Abstract:
Network Scientific weed management has not received attention in Bangladesh, even in the mational research network. Manual weeding is a routine practice under allcrop situations, not as a need-based practice but because the weeds are there. Alternate methods of weed management are not considered cesirable, apprehending unemployment problems for the large farm labour force. Often acute labour shortage occurs because of simultaneous need for labour for weeding and thinning in jute and transplanting and/or weeding in rice (aus). Consequently, efficient management of neither crop is realized. Instances are reported when crops of rice, jute and mustard were forced to ve plowed under to overcome weeds and followed, when possible, by the seeding of another crop. Reports on the magnitude of crop losses due to weeds range from zero to 100 percent. A fair estimate, in general, is 20-30 per cent loss due to weeds. The most vulnerable growth stage of most crops is when the basic yield contributing components are being formed. This generally occurs between 25-40 days after sowing. Severity of the weed problem increases with improvement of the crop environment. In other words, potential for higher crop yield means greater weed problems. With changes in the technology for crop management the species of weed flora may also change. Thus, the list of target weeds may have to be reviewed from time to time. In formulating an objective weed management programme for this country it is not implied that sophisticated herbicide application technology oro soil manipulation machinery are necessary. Simplistic indigenous tichnology may give excellent results. Scientists at SRTI have found that cowdung slurry and/or urea solution can give excellent control of Striga in sugarcane.
