EFFICACY OF PENDIMETHALIN AS WEED CONTROL ON IRRIGATED ONION IN LOKO, SONG LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in 2013/2014 dry season under irrigation at Loko Fadama area, Song Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria, to determine the effects of Pendimethalin on the performance of onions (Allium Cepa). The experimental plots size were measured 2m x 3m (6m²) and a distance of 1m between replication; and 0.5m between plots with net plot size of 1.6m x 2.2m (3.52m²). The experiment consisted of three different rates of Pendimethalin of 2. 02, 4.77 and 7.33 a.i/ha, along with hoe-weeded and unweeded checks, and replicated three times in Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). Results revealed that application of 4.77 and 7.33kg a.i/ha Pendimethalin rates significantly reduced weed density at 3, 6 and 9 WAT, but enhanced bulb diameter, bulb weight and yield; and economic returns. However, seedling establishment was not affected by the treatments.