Wheat is a major crop with a key role for food security in Tajikistan. A clear understanding of the major constraints and opportunities relating to wheat production and sustainability in farmers’ fields is therefore required. Monitoring of pests, diseases and weeds in the wheat fields of different sizes, located in different agricultural zones in Tajikistan and at different altitudes, was conducted during (2003–2016). A questionnaire on wheat production and sustainability, seeking overall information about farms and specific data on crop management practices, was applied. The results showed that the agronomic knowledge of Tajik farmers was generally poor and that wheat yield was low, affecting social, economic, and environmental sustainability. The farms surveyed were generally small, growing winter wheat for human consumption year after year. Seeds were hand-broadcast at the optimal sowing time, without chemical treatments and either wheat or technical crops were used as preceding crops. The low knowledge status of wheat farmers influenced crop performance and were correlated with lack of crop rotation, while the lack of pest management resulted in high levels of weeds and severe insect damage. Wheat production on small farms still relied heavily on manual labor, while larger farms used more machinery. Most of the Tajik wheat varieties and lines screened were found to be susceptible to at least one of the diseases screened for, i.e., stripe rust, leaf rust, and common bunt. Our findings demonstrate a need for concerted action to overcome wheat yield constraints and achieve sustainabшlity in crop production in Tajikistan. Education of farmers appears key to improving social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Use of certified seed of suitable wheat varieties and appropriate crop management practices, including weed control while also taking biodiversity into consideration, are other important measures for increasing wheat yield and improving sustainability
Wheat Production as Affected by Weed Diversity and Other Crop Management Practices in Ethiopia
