Maximizing Onion Farming Yields: The Crucial Role of Weed Management in Kenya with Onion Doctor
Are you in need of in-depth knowledge on onion and garlic production? If yes, we are a call away. Our service chatter includes: Onion seedlings, Garlic seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack and Farm management. For free consultation, placing orders or booking a visit with an agronomist, please contact us via Call or what’s app +254703982228, Email: Info@oniondoctor.co.ke.
Explore the key aspects of weed management in onion farming to unlock the full potential of your crop. We delve into the importance of proper weed control, the benefits of early intervention, and effective management and control methods, including the use of specialized herbicides. Discover how Onion Doctor's support empowers smallholder farmers across Africa to optimize yields and maximize profits.
A weed is any plant growing in a wrong place, usually considered undesirable. Weeds compete with the crop of interest for growth factors including nutrients, moisture and space, and may completely suppress the crop if uncontrolled. Besides, they harbor pests and diseases which can significantly reduce yields.
Importance of proper weed management: Weeds directly compete with plants for growth factors like sunlight, water, nutrients, space, and this makes the crop weak and susceptible to attack by pathogens. They greatly reduce crop yield as well as its general performance. They harbor pests and diseases. Some are parasitic while others are harmful when eaten by livestock and humans. Some weeds can damage the crop by producing toxic substances. They cause harvesting problems, especially those that develop late in the crop season. Generally, plants in wrong places look ugly.
Benefits of early/timely weed management: It helps in protecting the yield potential of the crop by eliminating competition It protects the palatability and nutritional potential of the crop It substantially curtails opportunities for pests’ establishment in the crop Young weeds are easier to control (they absorb and translocate herbicides better) Weeding can be less effective in times of drought stress, which mostly occurs at later dates of the season
Management & Control: To obtain high and quality yields, proper weed management is required. Some of the commonly used methods include;
Chemical method This method involves the use of herbicides. This method is highly preferred because; It is fast and easy to apply There is no mechanical damage to the crop. It is cost effective Weeds with similar morphological factors with crop are effectively controlled.
WEMBE 200 SL: Is a non-selective Post emergence herbicide which controls Annual and perennial grasses and broad leaved weeds. By applying WEMBE 200 SL during land preparation, you can effectively clear the area of unwanted weeds, even those that are particularly resilient or challenging to control.
COMMANDER 240 EC Selective Early Post emergence or Post Transplant herbicide (2-14 days after transplanting), to control Annual grasses and broad leaved weeds.
Onion Doctor supports small holder farmers across Africa with quality and affordable Onion and Garlic seedlings, Onion seedlings, Farm planning services, Soil testing, Drip irrigation installation and maintenance, Agronomic support, Onion and Garlic value pack, Farm management, E-extension and on-farm training for farmers to optimize on yields and get maximum profits.