EFFECT OF WEEDS ON KINNOW (Citrus reticulate) PRODUCTION IN RURAL AREAS OF TEHSIL SARGODHA, PAKISTAN

This study was carried out in tehsil Sargodha of Pakistan. The major objective of the study was to investigate the effect of different weeds on Kinnow production in the study area. A total of 20 union councils were selected, while randomly ten growers from each union council were chosen making a total of 200 respondents that were interviewed using a questionnaire. Data were collected and analyzed through simple percentage and chi-square techniques. According to the results, 97.5% respondents regarded weeds as a problem in kinnow production in the study area. Among the weeds reported, 64% were broad leaf, 26% grassy and 3% sedges in the orchards of the farming community. Negative association between weeds and per acre production was found significantly at 5% significance level. About 57.5% respondents reported that weeds were present in medium quantity in the field of the respondents. Hoeing, mulching and herbicides applications were observed for control of weeds in the study area while the strength of hoeing by respondents were looked more than the other techniques. On the basis of results, the study suggested careful management of water; quality seed application and proper timely herbicides application for control measures of weeds in citrus orchards for enhancing the kinnow (Citrus reticulate) production in the study area.