Coriander Weed Warriors Quiz Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of effective weed control strategies in coriander cultivation. Explore best practices, common mistakes, and key timing considerations to optimize coriander yields.

1. Optimal Timing for Weed Removal

   In coriander fields, removing weeds is most crucial during which stage of crop growth?

   1. At the time of seed harvest
   2. First 30–40 days after sowing
   3. After the flowering stage
   4. One week before sowing

   Explanation: The first 30–40 days after sowing is critical because young coriander plants can be outcompeted by weeds for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Removal after flowering or at harvest is too late to prevent yield loss. Removing weeds before sowing does not address weed emergence that happens with coriander germination.

2. Preferred Method: Mechanical vs. Chemical

   Which method is typically preferred for weed control in small-scale coriander cultivation?

   1. Flame weeding
   2. Hand weeding
   3. Mulching with plastic sheets
   4. Pre-emergence herbicide application

   Explanation: Hand weeding is effective, economical, and widely used by smallholder farmers, allowing selective removal without crop damage. Pre-emergence herbicides are less suitable due to sensitivity of coriander. Plastic mulching is less common for coriander, while flame weeding risks harming the crop.

3. Herbicide Use Consideration

   Why should pre-emergence herbicides be used cautiously in coriander cultivation?

   1. Coriander seedlings are sensitive to many herbicides
   2. Pre-emergence herbicides increase disease risk
   3. Herbicides improve weed growth
   4. Weeds are resistant to all herbicides

   Explanation: Many coriander varieties are sensitive to chemicals used in pre-emergence herbicides, potentially causing crop injury. Not all weeds are resistant to herbicides, and these chemicals do not benefit weed growth nor directly increase disease risk when properly applied.

4. Common Weeds in Coriander Fields

   Which of the following is a common broadleaf weed found in coriander fields?

   1. Echinochloa crus-galli (barnyard grass)
   2. Cyperus rotundus (nutgrass)
   3. Chenopodium album (lamb's quarters)
   4. Avena fatua (wild oat)

   Explanation: Chenopodium album is a frequent broadleaf weed in coriander. The others (Cyperus rotundus, Echinochloa crus-galli, Avena fatua) are monocot weeds, with different growth habits and are less common threats in coriander compared to broadleaf types.

5. Impact of Early Weed Competition

   What is the primary consequence if weeds are not removed during the early stages of coriander growth?

   1. Stronger coriander flavor
   2. Increased seed color variation
   3. Earlier flowering of coriander
   4. Reduced yield due to competition

   Explanation: Weeds compete for water, light, and nutrients with young coriander, directly lowering yield. They do not cause significant changes in seed color or flavor, nor do they advance the flowering period.