WEEDS AND WEED CONTROL METHODS IN SUGARCANE: A CASE STUDY OF KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PAKISTAN

The present research was initiated to find out the farmers’ perception of weeds and their control in sugarcane. Two districts i.e Mardan and Charsadda were selected as a sample of the study. Data were collected from 336 sugarcane growers through pre-tested interview schedule. It was observed that overwhelming majority of 96 % of the sample respondents reported Scandix spp. was considered as a weed problem followed by Sorghum halepense as reported by 89% and 85% of the sample respondents considering the Cirsium arvense as the biggest weed problem locally known as “Ghanaki”. Both mechanical and manual weed control methods were reported by all the respondents. Pests such as whitefly, mites, bugs etc. were reported on their sugarcane crop by 88% followed by rates and bore responded by 85% and 62% respectively. Use of pesticides was reported by 70 % respondents. It is recommended that farmers must be aware of the proper weed management through adequate trainings and demonstration of mechanical eco-friendly pesticides application. Moreover, Agricultural Educational institution may be involved to educate farmers in weeds and their control measures.