Effects Of Cassava Varieties And Weed Control Methods On Weed Population And Seedling Emergence At Umudike, Southeastern Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Weeds are plants growing spontaneously in naturally disturbed human habitat, which interfere with the activities of man and his environment (Akobundu, 1987),In other words, weeds are natural hazards to the interests and activities of man; they interfere with human activities or in some ways intrude upon human welfare. This is the concept of weed. that has originated with human and within the context of their food production needs. Weeds are most underestimated pest in tropical agriculture. They have influence on human social action more than other crop pests (Akobundu, 1987). Many plants commonly classified as weeds may be used for food or medicinal purposes: Portulaca oleracea and Porliveria oiiacea are examples among many others (Baker, 1974). Furthermore, many weed plants growing in fallow areas serve to prevent soil erosion and to recycle nutrients to the soil (Kligman ci al., 1982). Conversely, various crops plants, which grow as volunteer in other crop areas, are rightly considered as weeds.