Weed Warriors: Jowar Edition Quiz

Challenge your knowledge on effective weed management in Jowar (sorghum) cultivation with these scenario-based questions. Learn key strategies, timing, and methods to keep your Jowar fields healthy and productive.

1. Identifying Critical Weed Competition Period

   During which stage is Jowar most vulnerable to weed competition, potentially leading to maximum yield loss if weeds are not controlled?

   1. Early vegetative stage (15–35 days after sowing)
   2. Before sowing
   3. During storage
   4. At harvest

   Explanation: The early vegetative stage is critical because weeds compete strongly with young Jowar plants for nutrients, water, and light, affecting their establishment and growth. Before sowing, there are no growing plants to compete; at harvest, most competition has already occurred; during storage, weed control is irrelevant.

2. Choosing a Cultural Weed Control Method

   Which of the following is a cultural practice that helps suppress weed growth in Jowar fields?

   1. Crop rotation with legumes
   2. Using insect repellents
   3. Applying synthetic fertilizers
   4. Post-emergence herbicide application

   Explanation: Crop rotation with legumes disrupts weed life cycles and improves soil fertility, making it a practical cultural method. Post-emergence herbicides are chemical methods, insect repellents target pests not weeds, and synthetic fertilizers supply nutrients but do not control weeds.

3. Benefits of Mechanical Weed Control

   Why might a farmer use mechanical weeding tools like a hand hoe or wheel hoe in Jowar cultivation?

   1. To harvest Jowar faster
   2. To apply foliar fertilizers
   3. To uproot young weeds without chemical usage
   4. To irrigate the field more efficiently

   Explanation: Mechanical weeding tools effectively remove weeds at early stages without relying on chemicals. These tools are not used for fertilizer application, do not improve irrigation, and are not harvesting equipment.

4. Timing of Herbicide Application

   Which is the optimal time to apply pre-emergence herbicides for weed control in a newly sown Jowar field?

   1. After the Jowar crop has fully matured
   2. During storage of harvested grain
   3. Two months after sowing
   4. Immediately after sowing but before crop and weed emergence

   Explanation: Pre-emergence herbicides work best when applied right after sowing, preventing weed seed germination. Applying after crop maturity or during storage is ineffective, and waiting two months allows weeds to establish and cause competition.

5. Common Weeds in Jowar Fields

   Which of the following weeds is commonly found competing with Jowar in Indian fields?

   1. Cajanus cajan (Pigeon pea)
   2. Oryza sativa (Rice)
   3. Echinochloa colonum (Jungle rice)
   4. Solanum tuberosum (Potato)

   Explanation: Echinochloa colonum, known as jungle rice, is a common weed in Jowar fields that competes for resources. Potato, pigeon pea, and rice are cultivated crops, not weeds typically found invading Jowar fields.