The response of wild oats (Avena fatua L.) to sowing rate and herbicide application

Abstract

A 2-year field study was conducted during the rainy seasons of 1999 and 2000 at Houfa in northern Jordan, to study the influence of various sowing rates (20kg ha^-1, 40kg ha^-1 and 60kg ha^-1) and 2,4-D application at two growth stages (stage 13 (3-leaf) and stage 44 (Mid boot)) on yield components and productivity of wild oats. The highest biomass and grain yields were produced at 60kg ha^-1 and the lowest at 20kg ha^-1 in both seasons. On the other hand, the highest number of tillers per plant was produced at 20kg ha^-1 and the lowest at 60kg ha^-1 in both seasons. Differences in weed number and fresh weight were significant among various weed control treatments in both seasons. Hand-weeding proved to be the best weed control method. In both growing seasons, yield reductions occurred when 2,4-D esters were applied to oats at stage 13 (3-leaf). Hand-weeding was more effective than 2,4-D applications in suppressing weed growth.