EFFECTS OF WEED-CONTROL METHODS ON MAIZE AND INTERCROP YIELDS AND NETINCOME OF SMALL-HOLDER FARMERS, NIGERIA

An experiment was conducted for two seasons to determine the effects o f weed control methods on maize yield and net income of small-holder f armers. Weed control was by (1) application of the herbicide primextra (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-1, 3, 5-triazine, and 2-chlor o-6-ethyl N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acet-o-toluidide), (2) three hoe weedings and (3) an integration of various intercrops with one hoe wee ding. All control methods reduced weed weight and increased maize yiel d significantly. Generally, primextra was the most effective. Highest net income was achieved with maize and sweet potato (weeded once). Nex t was maize and groundnut (weeded once). The use of either of these in tercrops as a smother crop is recommended for small-holder farmers in the rainforest zone of Nigeria.