THE WEED CHALLENGE IN CROP PROTECTION

The three key biological factors for loss of crop yield are weeds,insects and diseases. Of these, weeds are what we can call ‘silent killers’. These are plants that block healthy crop growth. They are harmful, hazardous and can also bring about immense economic losses to farmers. They are a big threat to biodiversity. They can decrease farm productivity,and bring about large-scale land and water degradation. Weed attacks is a major threat to both nature as well as the productive capability of the available land and water.

Understanding the Weed hazard

Weeds bring about massive damage to the wheat, rice, groundnut and soyabean crops. They directly exhaust the soil nutrients and moisture and compete with crop plants for light and space, thus reducing the crop yields. Indirectly, they also cause damage to the crops harboring pests and disease agents. Weeds can cause more issues than just crop yield loss. Some weeds are poisonous and can stain food crops. Weeds that remain green at harvest, especially the ones with fibrous stems, can interfere with harvest. The problem varies with both the crop and the weed. They not only reduce yield but also interfere with agricultural operations.

Weed Identification & Management

Well-organized weed control measures can only be implemented after the weeds have been properly identified. Weeds can be managed using many different methods. The most effective management of weeds is usually achieved through collaboration of different techniques.

Weed management is an essential aspect of crop protection and improving the production capacity of crops. It includes management of the weeds in a way that the crop sustains its production capacity without being damaged by the weeds. Weed management is done through a mix of mechanical, cultural and chemical means.

Advantage of Herbicides

Herbicides have today become an integral aspect of any weed control program. They may be defined as crop-protection chemicals used to kill weedy plants. They provide a convenient, economical, and effective way to help manage weeds.. There are many kinds of herbicides to choose from. Several factors determine when, where and how a particular herbicide should be used for maximum impact. Understanding some of these factors enables the use of herbicides to their maximum advantage.