SURVEY, IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF WEEDS ASSOCIATED WITH MULBERRY (Morus spp.) IN THE PROVINCES OF AURORA, LA UNION, ILOCOS SUR AND ILOCOS NORTE, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Surveys, collections and identification of weeds were done in the sericulture projects of Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur; Marcos, Ilocos Norte; Aurora, Aurora; and aat the SRDI, Bacnotan, La Union, in both wet and dry seasons. A total of 75 species of weeds were collected and identified. Survey, collection and identification of weeds in the sericulture projects of Sta Maria, Ilocos Sur;Marcos, Ilocos Norte; Ma. Aurora, Aurora; and at the Sericulture Research Development Institute in Bacnotan, La Union were done through quadrant sampling. Dominant weeds during the wet season in Sta Maria, Aurora, and Bacnotan were Digitaria sp., Fimbristylis littoralis, Ageratum conyzoides and Cyperus rotundus while during dry season, Diqitaria sp., Chloris sp., Centrosema pubescens and Dactyloctenium aeqyptium were the dominant weed species, respectively.

On a per hectare basis, results showed mulching was found to be the most economical and beneficial weed control method. Total cost of weed control was P5,080.00 as against herbicide application with P7,224.00 and hand-weeding at P7,620.00.