Beat the Weeds: Sugarcane Edition Quiz

Explore the fundamentals and best practices for weed control in sugarcane cultivation with these practical scenario-based questions. Enhance your understanding of effective strategies to manage weeds and support healthy sugarcane growth.

1. Herbicide Timing in Sugarcane

   Which timing is most effective for applying pre-emergence herbicides in sugarcane fields to control weeds?

   1. During flowering stage
   2. Just before harvesting
   3. Immediately after planting
   4. At ratoon initiation

   Explanation: Pre-emergence herbicides control weeds before they emerge and are most effective when applied right after planting. Applying them much later, such as before harvesting or at ratoon initiation, will not prevent initial weed establishment. Application during the flowering stage is too late for effective early weed management.

2. Mechanical Weed Control Methods

   What is the primary mechanical method used to control weeds in inter-row areas of sugarcane fields?

   1. Flood irrigation
   2. Inter-cultivation with a hoe
   3. Hand picking leaves
   4. Aerial spraying

   Explanation: Inter-cultivation with a hoe effectively disrupts weeds between plant rows. Aerial spraying is a chemical method and not mechanical. Hand picking leaves doesn't target weeds specifically. Flood irrigation is not primarily a weed control method and may even encourage some weed growth.

3. Weed Competition Effects

   What is a common consequence when sugarcane fields are left weedy during the critical growth period?

   1. Increased pest resistance
   2. Reduced cane yield
   3. Deeper root development
   4. Improved sugar content

   Explanation: Weeds compete with sugarcane for nutrients, water, and sunlight, often resulting in reduced yields. Weeds generally do not improve sugar content, do not promote deeper root growth, and do not directly increase pest resistance in sugarcane.

4. Integrated Weed Management in Sugarcane

   Which practice best represents integrated weed management (IWM) in sugarcane cultivation?

   1. Using only chemical sprays
   2. Relying solely on manual weeding
   3. Applying mulch without other methods
   4. Combining cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods

   Explanation: IWM emphasizes using a combination of methods—such as crop rotation (cultural), inter-cultivation (mechanical), and herbicides (chemical)—for more effective and sustainable weed control. Relying on only one method, such as manual weeding, chemicals, or mulch alone, is less effective and does not represent IWM.

5. Critical Period for Weed Control

   During which stage is weed control most crucial in the sugarcane growth cycle?

   1. After ratoon sprouting is complete
   2. First 8–12 weeks after planting
   3. Last month before harvest
   4. Dormant period

   Explanation: The first 8–12 weeks after planting is when competition from weeds can most severely affect cane establishment and yield. Weed control post-ratoon or late in the cycle is less critical. The dormant period is not applicable, and waiting until just before harvest does not prevent early yield loss.