Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 175-187 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 1 81 6.3 Integrated pest management (IPM) approaches Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach that combines multiple control strategies to manage pests and diseases sustainably. IPM for sweet potato includes the use of cultural practices, biological control, and judicious use of chemical pesticides. For example, combining row covers, UV-reflective mulch, and selective insecticides has been effective in managing whitefly populations and associated virus symptoms in squash, suggesting similar benefits for sweet potato (LaTora et al., 2022). Moreover, IPM strategies that incorporate evolutionary principles can delay resistance development in pests and optimize the effectiveness of each control measure (Green et al., 2020). Farmer Field Schools (FFS) have also been successful in disseminating IPM knowledge and practices, leading to significant increases in productivity and income for farmers (Ortiz et al., 2019). 7 Weed Control Strategies 7.1 Sanitation practices Weeds are a significant challenge in sweet potato cultivation, competing for nutrients, water, and light, which can drastically reduce crop yields. Common weeds include broad leaf species and grasses, which can vary depending on the region and specific field conditions. For instance, Sorghum halepense is a dominant weed in some areas, significantly impacting sweet potato growth if not managed properly (Singh et al., 2017). Implementing strict sanitation practices is the first step towards effective weed management. This includes using clean machinery and implements that prevent the spread of weed seeds or propagules from one area to another, removing weeds near irrigation ditches, fence rows, before they reach the reproductive stage helps to prevent the spread of weeds into cultivated areas s (Anup, 2016), Proper composting involves reaching and maintaining temperatures high enough to kill weed seeds. 7.2 Mechanical and chemical weed control methods Mechanical and chemical methods are widely used for weed control in sweet potato cultivation. Mechanical methods, such as hand weeding and the use of mulches, are traditional approaches that can be effective but are labor-intensive. Hand weeding, for example, has been shown to significantly reduce weed biomass and improve sweet potato yields (Laurie et al., 2015). Chemical control involves the use of herbicides, which can be highly effective but come with concerns such as environmental pollution and potential crop phytotoxicity. Herbicides like metribuzin, clomazone, and linuron have been tested for their efficacy in sweet potato fields. Metribuzin, when applied pre-emergence, can control a wide range of weeds but may reduce in effectiveness over time (Shafiq and Kaur, 2021). Post-emergence applications of herbicides like clodinafop combined with metribuzin have shown to be more effective, providing higher tuber yields and better economic returns (Shafiq and Kaur, 2021). Additionally, the combination of pendimethalin followed by quizalofop-p-ethyl has been found to be particularly effective in controlling narrow-leaved weeds and improving sweet potato yields (Singh et al., 2017). 7.3 Sustainable weed management practices Sustainable weed management practices aim to reduce reliance on chemical herbicides and promote environmentally friendly approaches. Integrated Weed Management (IWM) combines various methods to optimize weed control while minimizing negative impacts. This includes the use of living mulches, organic mulches, and intercropping. Living mulches, such as white mustard, common vetch, and Persian clover, can reduce weed biomass and improve soil health, although they may not be as effective as chemical methods alone (Kołodziejczyk, 2015). Organic mulches like compost and grass straw can also be used, but their effectiveness varies. For instance, newspaper mulch has been found to be a viable option for smallholder farmers, providing effective weed control and comparable yields to hand weeding (Laurie et al., 2015). Intercropping is another sustainable practice that can enhance weed control. For example, intercropping sweet potato with maize or peanut has been shown to reduce weed density and improve crop yields (Weerarathne et al., 2017). Selecting compatible intercrop combinations is crucial for maximizing the benefits of this approach.
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