Integrated Hand Weeding and Herbicide Application for Corn Marigold ( Glebionis segetum) in Tef Fields across Western and Southwestern Shewa Zones in Ethiopia [version 3; peer review: 2 approved with reservations]

Background: Corn marigold ( Glebionis segetum (L.) Frourr. ) is a serious weed species of agricultural crops in many parts of Ethiopia. However, there is a lack of information on its management in tef fields in the country. Therefore, the current work was designed with the objectives of evaluating integrated management of the weed and determining the most economical integrated weed management options in tef fields. Methods: The field experiments were conducted in naturally corn marigold infested fields of Cheliya and Woliso districts of West and Southwest Shewa Zones in Ethiopia, respectively, during 2020 to 2021 cropping seasons. Results: Different corn marigold management practices exhibited different responses to different parameters of the target weed and the test crop differently. Application of Pyroxsulam 45g L -1 at a rate of 0.40 l ha -1 supplemented with once-hand weeding and Halauxifen-methyl 100g kg -1 + Florasulam 100g kg -1 sprayed at a rate of 50 g ha -1 supplemented with once-hand weeding increased grain yield by about 70 and 50%, respectively, over the weedy check. The marginal revenue and benefit-cost ratio obtained from the marketing of goods for the application of Pyroxsulam 45g L -1 with one supplementary hand weeding of corn marigold increased by110 89%, respectively, as compared to the weedy check. Conclusions: The present study revealed the role of integrated management of corn marigold in improving tef production and productivity by combating the weed. Future research should be directed towards scaling up and popularizing these technologies among the growers.