Focus on... Weeds (part 2)
From investigating specific weeds in the previous edition of New Agriculturist, our focus now shifts to a variety of broader aspects of weeds and their management. These cover an example of Classical Biological Control; how by changing the traditional approach to growing rice, weed competition can be reduced; why weeds and weed control get so little priority from policy makers and even farmers; and some thoughts on weed control options in the future.
Bogged down with aquatic weeds?
Huge amounts of time and money are involved in attempts to restore aquatic ecosystems and to bring weeds, such as Water Hyacinth, Water Fern and Water Lettuce, under control. So what is the best way forward....
Direct approach to weeds in rice
Research on direct sowing or seeding of rice in India and Bangladesh is combining use of herbicide and early maturing varieties, to reduce costs of weed control....
Weeds and agriculture in Zambia appear as Siamese twins: the moment farmers thinks of what to grow, they must rack their brains about.....
Biological control 'silver bullet'
Control of the invasive weed mikania micrantha by slashing and herbicides is expensive and ineffective. However, a species of rust from Trinidad is proving an effective biological control of the weed, in tests by CABI bioscience....
Weeds depend for their success on qualities that can be turned to a farmer's advantage but recognising benefit when others see only cost takes.....
Weeds are an ever-present challenge and, as countries look to increased production from the small farm sector, effective but affordable weed control is a priority....
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