Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
(eISSN: 2229-4473)
Growth and yield of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) as influenced by different weed management strategies in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
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Azeez Jelilat Omodasola, Olorunmaiye Patience Mojibade, Fabunmi Thomas O., Senjobi Bolarinwa, Osunleti Samuel Oluwaseun, Abodunrin Surajudeen, Hamzat Olayinka
Research Articles | Published: 03 June, 2026
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Keywords: Pre-emergence, Potato vine, Potato yield, Variety, Weed density
Abstract
One of the major obstacles in sweet potato (Ipomea batatas L.) production is weed competition, causing substantial reduction in yield, thereby threatening food security. Herbicide application, integrated with hoe weeding in two sweet potato varieties (UMUSP-2 and Solo-gold) were investigated at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in 2020 and 2021. Potato variety was assigned to the main plots, while weed-control method was in the sub plots. The trial was a split-plot, laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Data were collected on weed density, number of leaves per plant, number of branches and tuber yield. Data collected were put through analysis of variance and significant means were separated using least significant difference at P ≤ 0.05. Our results revealed that UMUSP-2 produced more leaves than Solo-gold, while Solo-gold produced higher potato yield. Pre emergence application of isoxaflutole+aclonifen generally reduced weed pressure, especially at 3 weeks after planting (WAP) compared to the untreated plots. Also, application of isoxaflutole+aclonifen at 0.75 kg a.i /ha followed by hoe weeding gave superior weed control. Application of isoxaflutole+aclonifen at 0.75 kg a.i /ha followed by hoe weeding enhanced crop growth and produced the highest potato yield. Therefore, isoxaflutole+aclonifen at 0.75 a.i kg/ha with supplementary hoe weeding at 6 WAP could be adopted in sweet potato production.
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Author Information
Department of Plant Physiology and Crop Production, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria