@INPROCEEDINGS {AYENI:2004,
title = {Perception of farmers in Benin, West Africa to Imperata cylindrica},
author = {Ayeni, S. and Avocanh, A. and Beed, F. },
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 4th International Weed Science Congress, 20-24th June, Durban, South Africa},
year = {2004},
pages = {45},
abstract = {Questionnaires and sampling techniques were developed to assess the
distribution, problems caused by, and the efficacy of control methods for
Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeuschel. One hundred farmers were interviewed
from each of the three agro-ecological zones of Benin. These differ in climate,
especially annual rainfall, and in crops cultivated. I. cylindrica was the most
serious weed in the high and medium rainfall zones but was less prevalent in
the arid zone. In all zones, the recent intensification of agricultural land use
caused a reduction in the use of fallow and cover crops, resulting in increased
incidence and severity of I. cylindrica. Significant yield losses due to I.
cylindrica infestation were reported for all crops, including cassava, cotton,
cowpea, maize, millet, peanut, sorghum, and yam. Furthermore, the
clearance of vegetation by “slash and burn” agriculture encouraged rapid leaf
growth from rhizomes to create dense stands of I. cylindrica that virtually
eliminated other species. Such areas were frequently abandoned because
existing control methods were ineffective. Weeding by hand caused cuts due
to sharp leaf margins and leaf tips occasionally caused injury leading to
blindness. Frequent ploughing can break rhizome sections into pieces
sufficiently small to avoid plant regeneration, but was considered too time and
labour intensive. Of the 300 farmers surveyed, none used chemical
herbicides, due to high cost. This study showed the need to develop
sustainable methods of I. cylindrica control for resource poor farmers.},
}