Abstract:
Field studies were conducted at the University of Ghana, Legon farm from June to September 2005 to
investigate the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays) in response to herbicide application. Four groups of
herbicides; 2,4-D (Bextra and Calliherbe), glyphosate (Kalach 360SL, Fire and Weed Out), Atrazine
(Callitraz 500SC and Trazine 500SC) and Paraquat (Gramoxone Super and Benaxone) were used. Each of
the named herbicides constituted a treatment, with hand weeding as the control. In all, there were ten
treatments and four replicates arranged in a randomized complete block design. Paraquat and gyphosate
treatments were applied before sowing; Atrazine and 2,4-D were applied two days after sowing. The
compound fertilizer 15-15-15 (N-P-K) at the rate of 250 kg/ha was applied as side dressing 2 WAP. Top
dressing with sulphate of ammonia at rate of 125 kg/ha was applied 6 WAP. Analysis of variance (ANOVA)
for the data was carried out using (Genstat 5 statistical package, 1997). Significant differences between
means were estimated by the Least Significant Difference at 5% level of significance. Results revealed that
dry matter accumulation, leaf area were similar in all treatments across the sample period. Glyphosate,
Paraquat and Atrazine treatment had dry matter accumulation similar to the control. 2,4-D treatment
however had higher dry matter at 2 WAP. Although there was no difference in the number of kernels per
plant among the various treatments 2,4-D treatment plots produced 33 to 41% less as compared to the
control in yield per hectare.
