Weed Interference and Management in Cucumber (Cucumis sativusL.)

Abstract

Weed interference is a major problem in cucumber farming, leading to 45–95% yield reduction. Weed control practices employed to avoid such losses are predominantly hand weeding and herbicides application. All the weed control methods used in cucumber farming have their own limitations. Hand weeding is tedious, time consuming and associated with high labor demands. Only few herbicides are registered for weed control in cucumber, and these herbicides does not provide season-long weed control when used alone, neither can they control the entire weed spectrum with diverse physiology, morphology and time of emergence. Therefore, to optimize yield, financial and environmental costs and benefits, integrated weed management approaches are advocated. A good tillage operation, use of competitive cultivars, appropriate plant population and row spacing, application of pre and post emergence herbicides are important in reducing weed density. The combination of these approaches provides effective weed control, and helps in environmental conservation. The world is now moving toward precision weed management techniques which involve remote sensing, modelling and use of robotics to control weeds. These technologies are the future of weed management in crop production and have a substantial role to play in modern cucumber production. Right selection of one or more of these techniques with reference to environmental, socioeconomic, and geographic conditions will provide effective weed control in cucumber. Future research should therefore be focused on delivering information for the implementation of these approaches.

Effect of Weed Growth on the Incidence of Sucking Pests in Cucumber

“…To mitigate these losses, farmers primarily rely on two weed control methods: hand weeding and the application of herbicides. These practices are commonly employed to combat weed interference and minimize the negative impact on cucumber crops (Daramola, 2021). Weeds consider unsuitable plants that compete the main crops on nutrients as well as harboring many pests which may result in a decrease in the crop yield (Akinyemiju and Olaifa, 1991).…”