Weeds are also plants. The crops planted in the field are also plants so how can we differentiate a weed from a crop?
Weeds are found on land where the native vegetation has been replaced by a controlled system of cropping management. It is man who has forcibly altered the vegetation for other purposes mainly for agriculture. Crops, on the other hand, are plant that fit economically into the scheme of man’s work and existence. These plants are being managed to a certain degree. A plant species become a crop because man developed it to be a crop.
In the early days, weeds were not considered as pests in the field since: a) damage caused by weeds are not visible as those caused by insects and plant pathogens, b) crops are always associated with weeds, c) it is easier to see insects with crops than weeds, d) and there is seldom total crop failure due to weeds.
Damage of weeds to crops is not visible compared to insects that result to feeding trails and to diseases causing lesions and necrosis. When there is a crop, there is always a weed. That is why weeds were not considered as a threat to crop production. Sometimes, weeds look like crops so it is difficult to spot weeds in a heavily planted field. Unlike pests which are very noticeable in the field. Crop failure is less likely attributed to weed competition and there is seldom crop failure. These are some of the reasons why weeds were not regarded as pests before. At present, the direct and indirect contributions of weeds in crop failure have made it one of the pests considered in the field.
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I could see how weeds can be pests for a crop, to an extent, i’ve known new growers to cut down trees in fence rows because they believed they would compete for water and nutrients. Overall it is problematic to get rid of weeds without the crop. nice post.
Weeds will always be pests. If not cut down, it can cause serious harm to your plants or garden.
Very valuable health information, great blog post. Thanks.
I like many other people cannot stand the weeds that grow in my yard. My husband always using some weed killer to get rid of them and for the most part it works, but you still usually get stragglers.
never heard about the difference between weeds and crops. nice post. thanks.
Nice! more information pls
Nice post! More info pls
More info about this article!
Nice post, more info pls!
Weeds are really horrible to try and get rid of. I have tried every type of weed killer and nothing worked better then pouring gas on them and lighting them on fire.
Your blog is cool