WEED CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR REPRESENTATIVE FARMS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (9/15/77)

The project is a continuation of weed control research efforts begun in 1966 and realigned in 1972 in accordance with the needs of small farmers. The contractor, Oregon State University (OSU), initiated new efforts with CATIE in Costa Rica & the Natl Crop Protection Center in the Philippines. Also, the University of Florida was subcontracted to do research on aquatic weeds. All of the progs are now operational. Nearly a yr was required for country selection, clearances & staff placement in Asia. Research has included herbicide selectivity trials on beans & corn and persistence trials to determine the carry-over effects of various herbicides on different crops. The use of manual controls & herbicides in seed bed preparation was tested where heavy grass is a problem. Socio-economic studies in Central America & the Philippines are being implemented by OSU campus staff to supplement weed control field research. The rapid changes in the development of small herbicide application equipment has put an additional load on the proj staff to test & incorporate the equipment into the program. The most unique example is a sprayer which uses a Nigerian-developed solar generator (carried as a sunshield over the operator"s head) to recharge its battery. PES recommends that the proj staff work to develop linkages with counterparts & cooperative institutions for increased feedback on the farmer"s adoption of weed control practices. Also, eval notes that closer linkages with natl associatns of herbicide manufacturers & spray equipment manufacturers would be beneficial. Thus far, socio-economic studies in El Salvador have indicated that price distortions & off-farm employment opportunities did not induce changes in weed control technology on small & medium-sized farms. Manual weed control was the most efficient method from both the individual & social point of view. Large farms (where capital subsidies were in effect) proved receptive with a 75-87% acceptance rate of herbicide use.