Effect of hand weeding and chemical treatments on weed flora in Potato crop

Weed flora that competes with a particular crop species depends upon environmental factors and cropping systems. In this paper we present taxonomic analysis of the weed in potato grown conventionally under semi-arid Tunisian climate, its shift according to cultural practices particularly hand weeding chemical treatments. A total 29 belonging 16 families 27 genus have been reported crop. floristic spectrum crops flora, Poaceae family predominates 17%, followed by Amarantaceae (14%), Fabaceae (10%) Asteraceae (10%). term biological spectrum, therophytes were most frequent 72% geophytes 14%. Urtica urens, Chenopodium murale, album Raphanus raphanistrum dominant species. Chemical treatment is critical provide an optimal growing environment for potatoes earlier season Results showed biomass decreased when treatments applied between 2 3 weeks after planting. However, beyond 6 planting, not effective controlling weeds. These findings revealed that, study site conditions, period crop-weed competition was 4-6 planting should be well protected at stage creating free environment. Early postemergence application Metribuzin 0.7 kg a.i./ha more efficient suppress broadleaf grasses than pre-emergence Linuron 0.2 a.i./ha. Furthermore, practiced twice: first second decreases density only one time highest control efficiency recorded combined herbicides application.