EASILY PRACTICABLE PACKAGES FOR WEED MANAGEMENT IN MAIZE

The individual effect of several weed control practices are well known, but limited information is available on the response of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars to integrate such control practices. Field experiments were conducted in 2011 and 2012 to evaluate the best and least cost weed management strategies for maize production. Treatments included three weed control practices, namely hoeing twice 25 and 40 DAS, metribuzin+hoeing once 40 DAS and a weedy check; three maize cultivars, Giza 128, Giza 310 and Giza 329; and two planting row configurations (single rows and twin rows). Hoeing twice and metribuzin+hoeing once caused reductions in weed dry weight of 90.5 and 70%, respectively. Hoeing twice was the most effective practice for maize plant height, leaf area index (LAI), kernels number ear^-1, and grain yield. Poor transmition of light beneath canopy of Giza 329 plants was observed, which recorded the maximum height compared to other cultivars. Giza 128 was superior for producing 100 kernels weight and grain yield. Maize plants intercepted more light and produced higher LAI in twin rows than single ones; with no variations in weed dry weight, plant height, kernels number ear^-1, 100 kernel weight and grain yield. Metribuzin+hoeing once x Giza 128 x single rows favoured increased grain yield.