With the incessant menace caused by weeds on cassava, Dr. Alfred Dixon, an expert on weed management has called for the use of an integrated weed management approach as a means of safeguarding farm productivity.
Dr. Dixon, who also is  Project Leader, Sustainable Weed Management Technologies for Cassava Systems in Nigeria asserted this while briefing news men in Ibadan recently.
AgroNigeria’s Kehinde Osasona reports that the cassava researcher urged farmers to consider the integrated approach which, like the name implies, involves different methods of weed control. According to Dixon, ‘‘integrating legumes into the system as well as safe and judicious use of herbicides is recommended, especially for large scale farms”. He goes on to underscore the fact that good and sustainable weed management in cassava systems require careful and proper planning and enjoined practitioners to seek  professional advice once they are not sure of what to do. Noting that “with proper land preparation, weed wouldn’t be a problem to contend with but a poorly prepared seed bed would lead to high weed pressure and poor root yield”.
To this end, Dr. Dixon stated that farmers need to seek help from experts such as extension professionals, on the type of herbicide to use as well as the quantity and correct time to use the herbicides. “All that the farmer needs to know is whether the dominant weeds are broadleaved or grasses, whether they grow from year to year (perennials) or die after a season (annual).
This information is very helpful in planning weed control programmes” Dixon further emphasized while adding that farmers must be educated on the risks involved and the need to understand the type of weed vegetation in their farm(s), this being an important factor to consider in the aggregate weed management process.