Management of spear grass (imperata cylindrica l) using different Methods of weed control

A study was conducted in 2008 at the Research /Training Farm of the Department of Agronomy, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Nigeria with the objective of identifying the best method to control spear grass weeds at a reduced and affordable cost. The treatments included spear grass + 2 hand weeding, spear grass + Bahama, spear grass + Glyphosphate and spear grass integrated with 2 hand weeding, Bahama and glyphosphate. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The results showed that Bahama had more superior contents of chemical nutrients including nickel and copper. The roots of Bahama also had more profuse rhizomatous roots which enabled it to colonize and suppressed the growth of spear grass hence more effective biological control at reduced cost as its height and weight significantly reduce (P≥0.05) when compared to the other treatments. Spear grass + glyphosphate also had appreciable control of spear grass. It is therefore recommended that Bahama as a biological control measure be used for the effective management of spear grass infested areas like Anwai area of Delta State.