Effects of Weed Competition Periods on Yield and Quality Parameters

Sugarcane production range in Ethiopia is affected by weed competition periods and productivity potential of cultivated varieties under various agro-ecologies. A field experiment was carried out to determine effect of weed competition periods on growth, yield and quality parameters of sugarcane varieties at Arba Minch during 2016/2017 cropping season. The experiment was consisted of weed infested up to 30, 60, 90, 120 days after planting, weed free and unweeded, and two varieties (B52/298 and local). The treatments were laid out in RCBD replicated three times. As per the treatment, weeds were removed manually at 0, 31, 61, 91, 121 DAP, and one treatment left weedy. Data was collected on types of weeds species, weed biomass, sugarcane growth, yield, and cane yield and quality parameters. The data was analyzed statistically by using SAS statistical software version 9.2 for windows. The result showed that 29 different families of weeds were identified that grow with sugarcane. Weed dry biomass production was decreased with decreasing weed competition periods and vice versa. All growth parameters were significantly affected for both varieties due to weed competition periods.