CRS 2216 WEED SCIENCE

2. Lecturer Dr. Jenipher Bisikwa

BSc Agriculture (Makerere University, Uganda)

MSc. Crop Science, (Makerere University, Uganda)

MSc. Agronomy (University of Minnesota, USA)

PhD Applied Plant sciences (University of Minnesota, USA)

3. Course Type: CORE (B.Sc. Agriculture II)

4. COURSE STRUCTURE

Course Credits (CU): 2 CU i.e. 30 Contact Hours per semester

Course Duration: 15 weeks (30 hours) i.e. 15 LH, 30 PH

5. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces the concept of weediness and weed evolution. It also addresses the characteristics, life cycle and dispersal of weeds, their ecology and effects on crop production. During the course students will learn to identify major weed problems in East Africa and will be introduced to various control strategies including integrated weed management strategies. A detailed study of weed control through preventative, physical, biological and chemical methods will be discussed. Students will also be introduced to major parasitic and aquatic weed problems affecting agriculture in East Africa. This course will include both lectures and practical sessions so that the students can learn to apply the theory to the practical problems faced in the field.

6. COURSE OBJECTIVES:

General objective/aim: The overall objective of this course is to equip students with knowledge and practical skills needed to improve crop productivity in Uganda.

Specific objectives

·  To appreciate weeds as crop production pests

·  To know how to identify weed species

·  To understand basic weed control strategies

·  To be familiar with weed management strategies used in diverse cropping systems

7. RECOMMENDED REFERENCES FOR READING

·  Ivens G.W. 1989. East African Weeds and Their Control: 2nd Edition, Oxford University Press.

·  Hence R.A. and K. Holly 1990. Weed Control Handbook: Principles, 8th Edition by Blackwell Scientific Publications.

·  Ross M. A. and C. A. Lembi. 1999. Applied Weed Science: 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall.

·  Terry P.J. 1984. A guide to weed control in East African crops Kenya Literature Bureau

·  R. J. Aldrich and R. J. Kremer. 1997. Principles in Weed Management, Iowa State University Press

8. COURSE CONTENT, METHODS OF INSTRUCTION, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

TOPIC / CONTENT / METHOD OF INSTRUCTION / Time allocated / TOOLS / EQUIPMENT NEEDED
1. Introduction to Weed Science / ·  Course overview and description
·  Weed related definitions: Weed Science, Weed Biology, Weed Ecology
·  Life Cycle, Weed Dispersal, Weed Fitness, Weed management / Interactive Lecture (1 hrs) / LCD Projector and
Screen,
BB/Chalk
Stationery (paper)
2. Concept of Weediness and weed evolution / ·  Different definitions of the term “weed”
·  History of weeds / Lecture ( 1 hr) / LCD Projector and
Screen,
BB/Chalk
transport
3. Weed Biology and Ecology / ·  Weed Evolution
·  General characteristics of weedy species
·  Competitive causes of crop yield reduction in the presence of weeds
·  Non-competitive losses attributable to weeds
·  Beneficial effects of weeds / Lecture (1 hrs) / LCD Projector and
Screen,
BB/Chalk
Stationery (paper)
4. Weed taxonomy or classification / ·  Classification according to life cycle (annuals, biennials, perennials)
·  Classification according to growth form or morphology
·  Classification according to number of cotyledons or seed leaves present (monocotyledonous weeds, Dicotyledonous weeds,
·  Classification according to plant habitat (aquatic, epiphytes, parasitic)
·  Growth form (herbaceous and woody species) / Lecture (1 hrs) / LCD Projector and
Screen,
BB/Chalk
Stationery (paper)
5. Common Weed Families of East Africa
/ ·  Graminae/Poaceae (Grass family)
·  Cyperaceae (sedge family)
·  Oxalidaceae (Oxalis family)
·  Commelinaceae (commelina family)
·  Compositae (Esteraceae) (black jack family) / Lecture (1 hrs)
Field-based Practical on weed identification
(6 hrs) / LCD Projector and
Screen,
BB/Chalk.
Transport (100 students)
6. Survival mechanisms of weeds / ·  Seed and vegetative propagules (buds, bulbs, rhizomes, tubers)
·  Seed dormancy/soil seed banks
·  Dispersal mechanisms of weeds / Lecture (1 hrs) / LCD Projector and
Screen,
BB/Chalk,
Stationery (paper)
7. Principles of Weed Management / ·  Main objectives of weed management (Prevention, Control , Eradication)
·  Methods of Weed Control in East Africa / Lecture (1 hrs) / LCD Projector and
Screen,
BB/Chalk
Stationery (paper)
8. Review of various
methods of weed
management / ·  Cultural techniques
·  Mechanical techniques
·  Biological weed management
·  Chemical weed control / Lecture (1 hrs) / LCD Projector,
BB/Chalk Stationery (paper)
9. Biological control of weeds / ·  Criteria for success
·  Advantages of biocontrol
·  Problems or disadvantages associated with Biological weed control
·  Examples of biocontrol agents / Lecture (1 hrs) / LCD Projector and
Screen,
BB/Chalk
Stationery (paper)
10. Chemical Weed Control / ·  General classification of herbicides
·  Classification based on use Selective herbicides (Selective herbicides, Non-selective herbicides) / Lecture (1 hrs) / LCD Projector,
BB/Chalk
Stationery (paper)
11. Chemical Weed Control / ·  Classification based on mode of action (Contact herbicides, Transloacted or systemic herbicides, Soil sterilants)
·  Classification according to time of application (Pre-planting herbicides/pre-plant incorporation, Pre-emergence herbicides, Post-emergence herbicides) / Lecture (1 hrs)
Field-based Practical on chemical calibration and application
(6 hrs) / LCD Projector,
BB/Chalk
Stationery (paper)
Transport (100 students)
Chemicals and knapsack sprayers and protective gear
12. Herbicide selectivity / ·  Physical factors such as morphological differences between plants.
·  Differential interception of chemicals
·  Selectivity based on physiological resistance / Lecture (1 hrs) / LCD Projector and
Screen,
BB/Chalk
Stationery (paper)
13. Crop injury and poor weed control / ·  Causes of Crop injury and poor weed control
·  Safety Precautions in Handling Herbicides
·  Herbicide Formulations / Lecture (1 hrs) / LCD Projector,
BB/Chalk
Stationery (paper)
14. Integrated Weed Management (IWM) / ·  Definition of IWM
·  Advantages and Disadvantages / Lecture (1 hrs)
Field based Practical on integrated weed management
(3 hrs) / LCD Projector,
BB/Chalk
Stationery (paper)
Transport (100 students)
15. Examples of common weed problems and their control in East Africa / ·  Parasitic Weed Striga And its Management
·  Aquatic weed problems and their management (water hyacinth / Lecture (1 hrs) / LCD Projector and
Screen,
BB/Chalk
Flip charts,
Markers,
Graphs

9. SUMMARY OF TIME NEEDED

Continuous assessment (theory) 20%

Continuous assessment (practical skills and field reports) 20%

University Examinations 60%

Lectures covering theory 30 hrs

Field-based practicals and Field visits 15 hrs

10. OVERALL COURSE EVALUATION

Continuous Assessment Test 20%

·  At least 2 tests ( first after lecture 8 and second after lecture 12)

·  Marked out of 20 each

Continuous Assessment (Assignments, practical, Field work) 20%

·  At least 1 assignment Marked out of 20 each

·  Final examination 60%