WEED CONTROL IN MAIZE CROP USING LEUCAENA (Leucaena leucocephala (LAM.) DE WIT)

Abstract

In this work, the effects of leucaena shoots were assessed in greenhouse and field experiments against weeds of maize crop, phytoxicity on maize plant and nitrogen incorporation in the crop. In greenhouse bioassay (pots) leucaena shoots (25 t ha-1) were evaluated both incorporated and as mulch in the soil, followed by maize sowing at 5, 10, 20 and 40 days after leucaena application. Field experiment was carried out with 20, 30 and 40 t ha-1 of fresh leucaena shoots material used both incorporated and as mulch in soil. In the field 40 t ha-1 of leucaena as mulch the weed population was controlled without any damage to the maize grain yield. In greenhouse it was observed inhibition of weed development with no phytotoxicity to maize.

Keywords

• incorporated leucaena
• mulch
• allelopathy
• Zea mays L.