Weed infestation and management in crops fields of Al-Batinah and Ad Dakhiliyah governorates

Oman occupies the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula and recognized with three distinct regional land areas; in the north, which is the principal agricultural area. The climate is hot, humid during summer in the coastal areas, hot, and dry in the interior regions with the exception of some higher lands and the southern Dhofar region, where the climate remains moderate throughout the year. The variation of the climate contributed to the emergence of diverse plant communities in Oman. During the last several years the impacts of weed growth have influenced the natural or unmanaged plant communities. The negative impact of different types of weeds has changed the uses of the land in some districts area in Oman. This problem led us to study and understand weed distribution, weed identification, which will lead us to suggest the appropriate methods using the integrated weeds management, under the arid climate of Oman. In the proposed study, Weed distribution and infestation levels in crop fields of Al-Batinah and Ad Dakhiliyah governorates will be assessed. Weed seeds being accumulated as weed seedbank in the crop fields will be analyzed, awareness about weeds, associated crop losses and weed management practices used by farmers will be assessed through a semi-structured questionnaire-based survey. Integrated weed management practices will be demonstrated at farmer?s fields in the study area, and training and awareness workshop will be organized. The proposed study is expected to provide a base line information about the weed infestation in crop fields and weed seedbank development patterns, and will create awareness among the famers to opt integrated weed management practices for improving crop yield