PERFORMANCE OF BLACK TURTLE BEAN (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) AS INFLUENCED BY INTRA-ROW SPACING AND METHODS OF WEED CONTROL IN SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNA ECOLOGY OF NIGERIA

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State in 2020 and 2021 raining seasons to evaluate the performance of Black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as affected by intra-row spacing and methods of weed control. The experiment consisted of three intra-row spacings (20, 30 and 40cm) and seven weed control methods (application of diuron at 1.0 kg a.i. ha^-1 2 days after sowing (DAS) followed by one hoe weeding (Hw) at 6 weeks after sowing (WAS), application of diuron at 1.5 kg a.i. ha^-1 2 DAS followed by imazathapyr at 1.5 kg a.i. ha^-1 at 6 WAS, application of diuron at 2.0 kg a.i. ha^-1 2 DAS only, hoe weeding at 3 WAS only, hoe weeding at 3 and 6 WAS, weed - free and a weedy check (control). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Data collected include weed, growth and yield parameters. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using statistical analysis software and Duncan Multiple Range Test was used for mean separation at 5% level of probability. Results showed that intra-row spacing of 40cm had the tallest plants, largest leaf area, while spacing of 30 cm produced the highest number of leaves, while lowest weed density and highest weed control efficiency was at spacing of 20 cm. Grain yield and 100 seed weight were greater with the use of 30 cm intra-row spacing. All weed control methods suppressed weeds in black bean field. Taller plants and highest number of leaves were obtained from weed - free treatment. Lowest weed density and highest weed control efficiency was obtained from weed - free and the use of diuron at 1.0 kg a.i. ha^-1 followed by Hw, respectively. Grain yield and seed weight was greater with application of diuron at 1.0 kg a.i. ha^-1 followed by Hw. From this study, the use of 40 cm intra-row spacing and application of diuron at 1.0 kg a.i. ha^-1 followed by Hw for weed control is recommended for the production of black bean in the study area.