Importance of Field Extension Training for Farmers of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to Adopt Weed Control Techniques

Abstract

Climate change may influence the survival and distribution of field crop weeds. Few investigations are available about the negative effect of noxious weeds on crop quality. Several studies were conducted to evaluate weed distribution of alfalfa fields. For eight years case studies through surveys, extension program, and questionnaires were carried out in two regions of Wadi Dlayl and Kherbeh Sides in the Zarqa River Basin of Jordan to study the distribution of weeds in alfalfa fields. Results indicated and reported that species of white top and dodder were the most common occurring species in Wadi Dlayl. However, amaranthus and common mallow were predominant in Kherbeh Sides region. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the most effective extension approaches to identification of weeds observed in alfalfa. Training will equip farmers with necessary competencies to become pioneers of knowledge about weed ecology, and growing habits to choose the most appropriate chemical management strategy with lower costs and time saving.