Low-input and High-input Dryland Taro Weed Control in Hawai'i

Abstract

Living mulches were compared to weed cultivation and herbicide weed control in dryland taro. The highest No.1 corm yields were harvested from the herbicide and the cultivation treatments. The living mulches tested were ineffective in controlling weeds eight weeks after planting, and poor final yields were attained. Although the highest cost item was cultivation labor, timely mechanical cultivation appears to be a workable alternative for the small family farmer with no hired labor. For the larger farmer with hired labor, proper use of herbicides, possibly in combination with mechanical cultivation, offers the most efficient means of weed control.