INTEGRATING Mucuna bracteata IN BANANA MONO CROPPING SYSTEM TO CONTROL WEEDS IN BUSHENYI-A case study on-Oxallis latifolia, Galinsoga Paviflora, Bidens pilosa and Commelina Benghalensis in Bushenyi District

MAKERERE UNIVERSITYCollege of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Department of Agricultural Production

ASIIMWE JOSEPHMSc. Crop Science

Reg Number: 2015/HD02/491U

Introduction Bananas are a major food crop in Uganda(UBOS,

2014) Above weeds are endemic to banana production

areas in Bushenyi Weeds cause Severe losses(FSA working group, 2005) Eco-friendly pesticide free production solutions can

address the problems being faced by limited resource banana farmers

The control strategy emphasizes use of locally available and affordable technology

Introduction cont’dFacts about Mucuna (Widely known as “velvet bean,”) Is a vigorous annual legume Origin is southern China and eastern India was at one time widely cultivated as a green

vegetable crop (Duke, 1981). Most popular green crop in the tropics Great potential as both food and feed Traditionally used as a food (ethnic groups) Cultivated in Asia, America, Africa,& Pacific Islands Its young leaves are used as animal fodder

Objectives

• To control weeds in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner using locally developed technologies

• To improve yield of banana fields through reduced tillage

Justification and why mucuna

The desirable characteristics and growing patterns:

• Wide spacing between banana plants 3x3m

Justification and why mucuna

• Very vigorous growth

• Easy establishment

• low seed rate

• Non-palatability to cattle

• High-drought tolerance

Justification cont’d

• Shade tolerance

• Presence of allelopathic compounds

• High biomass production

• Tolerance to pest and diseases

• Low labour and chemical requirements

• Good control against soil erosion

Justification cont’d

• Mucuna grows laterally

• Mucuna grows wild 15-17cm/day

• Farmers can easily multiply-bears viable seeds

• Mucuna adds nitrogen to the soil

• Other functions like supply of animal fodder

Justification cont’d

• Not an alternative host for banana pests

• High weed seed bank is kept dormant by the

cooling effect created by mucuna mat

• Mucuna is a perennial

Wide open space between bananas

Effective spreading of mucuna

INTEGRATING Mucuna bracteata IN BANANA MONO CROPPING SYSTEM TO CONTROL WEEDS IN BUSHENYI-A case study on-Oxallis latifolia, Galinsoga Paviflora, Bidens pilosa and Commelina

BenghalensisAsiimwe Joseph (Msc. Crp-Agronomy), Reg No:2015/HD02/491U

Makerere University, Department of Agricultural Production Nov ,2015

Introduction: Bananas are a major food . Weeds are endemic in Bushenyi, cause Severe losses(Merlin, 2005).Eco-friendly pesticide free production solutions can address the problems being faced by limited resource banana farmers, the control strategy emphasizes use of locally available and affordable technology

OBJECTIVE: To control weeds in a sustainable ,environmentally friendly manner, improve yield of banana fields through reduced tillage while using locally available materials

OUTCOMES/RESULTS: Smothering of weeds, Improved soil fertility, reduced erosion, Increased organic matter in the soil, reduced herbicide reliance, reduced labour costs, saves time, conservation of soil water, and supply of animal fodder

Justification for using Mucuna:vigorous growth , easy establishment ,low seed rate, Non-palatability to cattle ,High-drought tolerance, Shade tolerance, Presence of allelopathic compounds, High biomass production, Tolerance to pest and diseases, Low labour and chemical requirements ,Good control against soil erosion

Materials and methods: Plant bananas at 3x3mMucuna, deep plough with a hoe, sow mucuna seeds directly at 1.5m from banana and maintain 1m spacing between mucuna plant along the rows

Conclussion:Mucuna is an exceptional plant in smothering weeds. Additionally it is a good source of food, as it is rich in crude protein, essential fatty acids, starch content, and certain essential amino acids.

References: The Plant List:A Working List of All Plant Species". Retrieved 8 March 2015"Factsheet - Mucuna pruriens". www.tropicalforages.info. Retrieved 2008-05-21.

Acknowledgements: Special thanks go to Farm Solutions Africa for providing the financial and technical support, and to all farmers who participated

REFERENCES Cloonan, MJ (1963) Black Nodules Dolichos sp. Aust J Science, 26:

121 The Plant List:A Working List of All Plant Species". Retrieved 8 March 2015

"Factsheet - Mucuna pruriens". www.tropicalforages.info. Retrieved 2015-11-15

Dutta, A C (1970) Botany for Degree Students. Bombay, Calcutta and Madras: Oxford University Press. 289 pp.

Hartley, C W S (1977)The Oil Palm. West African Institute for Oil Palm Research. London and New York: Longman. 700pp.

MWEBALE’NYO

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