Harnessing Integrated Weed Management to Boost Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Yield and Profitability under Diverse Weed Flora in Nigeria’s Sudan Savanna

Abstract

Weed infestation remains a major constraint to groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria, where diverse annual and perennial species compete for nutrients, light, and water. This study evaluated the efficacy and profitability of integrated weed management strategies at Bayero University Kano and Minjibir during the 2023 rainy season. Sixteen treatments, including various rates of pendimethalin 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kg a.i. ha⁻¹; imazethapyr at 100, 125, and 150 g a.i. ha⁻¹ and its combination, hoe weeding and weedy check, were arranged in a randomised complete block design with three replications. Growth parameters, pod yield, and economic indices (net profit and benefit–cost ratio, BCR) were analysed. Results revealed significant (p < 0.05) treatment effects on all variables. The combination of pendimethalin at 1.5 kg a.i. ha⁻¹ with either hoe weeding at 6 weeks after sowing (WAS) or imazethapyr at 125 g a.i. ha⁻¹ produced the highest pod yields (1,222-1,398 kg ha⁻¹). These treatments demonstrated superior profitability, generating net returns of ₦290,800–₦315,025 ha⁻¹ and BCR values of 1.91-2.23. Conversely, sole herbicide applications and weedy checks resulted in marginal or negative returns (BCR < 1.0), while two hoe weedings at 3 and 6 WAS achieved comparable yields but incurred higher labour costs. Integrating chemical and mechanical control improves weed suppression and financial sustainability. Integrated weed management using pendimethalin at 1.5 kg a.i. ha⁻¹ plus imazethapyr at 125 g a.i. ha⁻¹ or hoe weeding at 6 WAS maximises groundnut yield and economic returns in the study area.