Distribution, characterization and chemical management of noxious shrub weed (Dichapetalum stuhlmannii Engl) in cashew in southeastern Tanzania.

ABSTRACT

Weeds are among the limiting factors that influence low production of economically important crops including cashew (Anacardium occidental L.). Shrub weeds attribute to inter-competition for resources, hinder harvesting and ultimately reduce cashew yields in Tanzania. The current study determined the distribution, characteristics and chemical control option of Dichapetalum Engl in Lindi and Mtwara regions, Southeastern Tanzania. The distribution study involved a survey for weed presence along the areas of Lindi and Mtwara regions. The characterization included distilling, and assessing the growth and development properties of shrub weed. Chemical herbicides; glyphosate 480g. ai/l, 2, 4 D - Dichlorirophenoxyacetic 720g. ai/l, triclopyr 160g a.i./l and 11 mixture of glyphosate 480g a.i./l plus triclopyr 160g a.i./L at 15, 20 and 25 mls of formulated product/L of water per 4 m2 were tested on tender, mature and blooming growth stages of D. Stuhlmannii and three spraying frequencies. Findings revealed that the D.stuhlmannii, is a widely distributed shrub weed in Lindi and Mtwara regions. The weed was characterized with three main growth stages of seedling, mature and blooming with a long tap root and evergreen throughout the wet and dry seasons. The tested herbicides revealed the potential suppression of D. Stuhlmannii growth. Glyphosate and a mixture of glyphosate + triclopyr at 15 ml/L outperformed triclopyr and 2, 4 D across all the growth stages. Double spraying of glyphosate and its mixture bettered frequencies of triclopyr and 2, 4 D. The delayed regrowth of suppressed shrub weed took 90-120 days after application of herbicides. The current study recommends for single or double applications of glyphosate herbicides at 15 ml/L or 10,700 ml/ha on tender or mature D. Stuhlmannii in cashew farms. Further studies on the economic feasibility and effect on the microbiota of applied fungicides are required.