Evaluation of Weed Management in Wheat Fields of Different Area of Iran

To evaluate weed management problems in wheat fields during 2011 and 2012, 1300 farms were visited, in 13 provinces with different climatic conditions. 1300 Farms (each province 100 farms) were visited, and information on weed management methods was collected according to a questionnaire form. These forms were later evaluated and analyzed. Changes of the most dominant weed species in the last decade indicate that management actions during this period were not appropriate. The usual method for managing weeds in wheat fields were chemical control and the use of non-chemical methods was not used very common. In more than 20% of cases herbicides were not used at the right time. Most farmers (over 50%) used herbicides clodinafop-propargyl and tribenuron-methyl herbicides and the ability to mix with each other due to their low price, easy accessibility. About 30% of farmers used standard equipment o spray herbicides (tractor air assisted boom and micron air sprayer) but the rest used unconventional equipment (tractor air assisted lance, turbo liner, atomizer and wheelbarrow lance sprayer). The major weak points in wheat management practices included: Unawareness of the extent of damages caused by weeds, delayed weed control, incorrect spraying practices, lack of access to necessary instructions and failure to comply with the proper cropping pattern.