On-farm trials were conducted in the Chinyika Resettlement Area of Zimbabwe under dryland conditions to investigate the effects of different weed management methods on disease incidence, severity and paprika (Capsicum annuum) pod yield. The weed control treatments included hand weeding at 2 and 6 weeks after transplanting (WAT); ridge re-moulding at 3,6 and 9 WAT; application 4 l/ha Lasso (alachlor) immediately after transplanting, and Ronstar (oxidiazinon) at 2 l/ha tank mixed with Lasso at 2 l/ha one day before transplanting. The herbicide-water solution was applied at the rate of 200 l/ha using a knapsack sprayer. Major diseases identified were bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria), cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora unamunoi), grey leaf spot (Stemphylium solani) and powdery mildew (Leveillula taurica) in both seasons. For the 2000/2001 season hand weeding at 2 and 6 WAT and ridge re-moulding at 3, 6 and 9 WAT had the greatest reduction effect on the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) and the highest marketable fruit yield.
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