American-Eurasian J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 13 (3): 362-366, 2013 ISSN 1818-6769 © IDOSI Publications, 2013 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.aejaes.2013.13.03.1942 Corresponding Author: U. Ibrahim, College of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria. Tel: +2348034374967. 362 Weed Management Techniques of Horticultural Crops in Nigeria I.L. Hamma and U. Ibrahim College of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria Abstract: Horticultural crops are increasingly becoming very important in Nigeria’s economy. Weeds are a major problem to horticultural production as they take advantage of their initial slow growth rate. Weeds reduce crop yields, lower their quality, act as alternate host of many pests/diseases and also have allelopathic effects on crops. Weeds also interfere with vital farm operations like weeding, fertilizer application, herbicide application and harvesting. Both annual and perennial weeds are common in their actions. Farmers in Nigeria mostly employ biological, cultural and chemical methods in controlling weeds on their farms. To achieve success in weed management in Nigeria for increased yields and quality, there is therefore the need for an integrated weed management in horticultural production. Weed management requires a multifaceted approach, built upon an understanding of weeds and the crop. Weed management may involve non-chemical methods, chemical methods or a combination of the two. The major aim is to manage the weed population to a level below that will cause a reduction in economic return for the farmer. The decision on which method to be used depends on the environmental conditions, available labour, weed population, the crop, desired management technique and the cost of controlling weeds. This paper attempts to highlight some of the management strategies that could be used to manage weeds to a level below that could cause a reduction in the economic returns of farmers in Samaru, Zaria. Key words: Weeds Methods Weed control Horticultural crops INTRODUCTION it become imperative to begin weed control early enough Horticulture is defined as the growing of fruits, therefore reviews the common weed problems and vegetables and flowers. Horticulture industry is observed methods of their control with particular reference to to be an important sub-sector of Nigeria’s economy [1]. Nigeria. The first step in weed management is to In addition to provision of food, it also generates foreign understand the weeds and their life cycles, consult their exchange, creates employment and provides raw identification guides. Weeds can be categorised by their materials for processing industries [2]. The major aspect life cycles and management strategies developed of horticultural industry is product quality. Poor quality accordingly [1]. Annual weeds complete their life cycles and low yields results from many factors such as high in one year and reproduce solely by seeds. The perennial temperatures, low relative humidity, low rainfall which weeds live for more than two years and can reproduce by causes drought, low solar radiation which reduces the seed or vegetative structures such as stolons, rhizomes, photosynthetic ability of crops and lastly weed corms, tubers, bulbs and roots [2]. Because perennial infestation [3]. Generally, farmers do not understand weeds are difficult to manage in vegetables, it is better the negative implications of weeds in term of yield not to use a field with severe perennial weed problems. losses and the cost of its control [4]. Weed control has Many non-chemical weed management methods are been observed as one of the most important practice in simple farming practices [2]. These practices are of crop production because good weed control will ensure increasing importance due to consumer concerns about maximum yield and high quality of farm produce [2]. pesticides residues, environmental pollution from Since most horticultural crops are very slow in growth pesticides and non availability of some of the older especially at the early stages of their establishment, herbicides [2]. in order to ensure high yields and quality [2]. This paper