Evaluation of Herbicides on Upland Rice (<i>Oryza sativa </i>L.) Production in Fogera Plain, Northwestern Ethiopia

This study explores the effectiveness of various herbicides in enhancing upland rice production in the Fogera Plain of Ethiopia, a region recognized for its agricultural potential yet challenged by significant weed infestations. Despite a notable increase in both cultivated area and total rice output, the productivity in Ethiopia remains below the global average, primarily due to the adverse effects of weeds. To address this issue, a trial was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) during the 2023 rainy season, evaluating the impacts of Keeper herbicide, Pallas 45 OD, and manual weeding on key growth parameters, including grain yield, dry weight of weed biomass, panicle length, and spikelet count. The results indicated that the treatment involving two rounds of manual weeding achieved the highest grain yield of 3337.72 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, significantly surpassing the unsprayed control yield of 763.69 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>. The Keeper herbicide yielded 2625.00 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, while the Pallas 45 OD herbicide resulted in a lower yield of 1686.40 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, demonstrating their effectiveness in managing weed competition, although with reduced yields compared to manual weeding. Furthermore, the economic analysis revealed that the Keeper herbicide treatment generated a greater net benefit compared to manual weeding, affirming its practicality as a viable alternative for weed management. This research highlights the necessity for integrated weed management strategies in Ethiopia’s rice production systems, emphasizing the potential of combining herbicides with traditional practices to mitigate the challenges posed by weeds and enhance agricultural productivity.