Weed problems in food crops in Indonesia

Abstract

Losses due to weeds in food crop production are discussed. Types of weeds differ from one crop to another; environmental conditions, crop management and other factors affect weed growth. Hand weeding is practised on small farms, even in upland crops where weed problems are more complicated. Some experiments with herbicides on food crops have been introduced by various institutions. Due to the rising cost of labour, especially on large-scale mechanised farms, chemical weed control will become more important. It is suggested that applied research in new methods of weed control as well as basic research in weed biology related to agriculture should be encouraged.