Chemical weed control and field calibration of knapsack sprayers

Abstract

Weed control is one of the most important activities in smallholder agriculture and success or failure depends on effective and timely management of weeds. Poor weed control at the beginning of the season may greatly reduce yields. One of the options for effectively controlling weeds is the use of herbicides. Chemical weed control is quick, labour saving and can be very effective if applied properly. However, the cost and availability of herbicides, and the lack of technical ca Glyphosate is highly effective and affordable. Glyphosate is a desiccant and will give complete control of all growing (green) plants i.e. control of the first flush of broadleaved weeds and most of the perennial grasses. Glyphosate is relatively friendly to the environment and there are few cases of its release into groundwater. Glyphosate has sometimes led to weed resistance; however, very few cases have been reported to date. capability to apply them safely, correctly and precisely can be major drawbacks. Glyphosate has long been a preferred herbicide in CA and this bulletin will focus on its correct use.