Quantitative Estimate of Weeds of Sugarcane (<i>Saccharum Officinarum</i> L.) Crop in Ilorin, Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Abstract

A survey was conducted in the sugarcane fields of Unilorin Sugar Research Institute, Ilorin in the southern Guinea savanna agro-ecological zone of Nigeria during 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons with an objective to identify the current status of prevalent weeds in rainfed and irrigated sugarcane fields. A quantitative method was employed for the enumeration of weeds. Quadrats were laid along transects and individual weed species in each quadrat was identified and counted. Simpson’s diversity index, Sorensen similarity index and relative abundance were used to determine the weed community structure. A total of 51 weed species belonging to 40 genera within 16 families were identified across the sugarcane fields. Rainfed sugarcane field was higher in weed species (41) than irrigated fields (35 weed species). Rainfed fields also had the diversity index of 28.84 % compared to 21.66% species diversity computed for irrigated fields. The result generally shows that the similarities index of weed species between rainfed and irrigated fields is about 50 %. Among the 10 abundant weed species, two grasses viz. Panicum repens L. and Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeschel were the most  abundant weeds in sugarcane fields followed by Rottboellia cochinchinensis Lour and two sedge weeds Cyperus rotundus L. and Mariscus longibracteatus Cherm. Results obtained from this study would be useful in creating a weed management programme and making informed decision on choice of herbicides. Regular weed survey to identify possible problematic weeds and weed population shifts and direct research toward new or improved weed control measures is thereby recommended.

Key words: Sugarcane fields, rainfed, irrigation, survey, weed species