Determination of critical period of weed competition in Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) at Arjo Didessa sugar estate, western Ethiopia

Abstract

Weeds limit sugar cane production. A field experiment employing cultivar NCO334 and Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was done to assess weed competition crucial period. After planting, experimental plots were either weed-free or weedy (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 DAP). Weed density, weed dry weight, sugarcane sprout, tiller number, cane height, millable cane number, girth, weight, and predicted cane and sugar production traits were evaluated. For different periods, weed competition affects tiller number, cane height, girth, weight, millable cane number, and cane and sugar yield. Tiller production, cane height, girth, weight, millable canes, and cane and sugar output rose with more extended weed-free periods. Weeds in sugarcane caused 90. 5% and 94.6% cane and sugar yield losses, respectively. Cane girth, height, weight, tiller number, cane, and sugar production correlated positively and negatively with weed density and dry weight. weed crop competition begins between 17 and 131 DAP. To limit the impact of weeds on sugar cane yield, weed management measures should be implemented in sugarcane plantations during this important period.