Delayed weeding reduces aibika yield

Abstract

Aibika (Abelmoschus manihot) is an important leafy vegetable in Papua New Guinea. Cultivation practices vary between regions. Weeds are aggressive competitors of all cultivated crops. Therefore a number of trials were conducted at Laloki Agricultural Research Station to determine the effect of delayed weeding on the yield of three varieties of aibika. Delayed weeding was found to reduce yield and delays time to harvest. The critical weeding period is between two to three weeks after planting.