Impact of Sesbania pachycarpa dc. (Fabaceae) in Millet Culture [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. (Poaceae)] in Eastern Southeast Niger

Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. (Poaceae)] is one of the most widely consumed crops in Niger. Its production, despite the efforts of farmers, is confronted with weed problems, in particular Sesbania pachycarpa DC. (Fabaceae). The aim of the present study in this area is to assess the impact of Sesbania pachycarpa on millet growth and yield. To achieve this objective, a completely randomized Fisher block design of twenty-four elementary plots was set up with four replications. The data collected were millet plant heights and plot yields. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and Duncan’s test at the 5% threshold for comparisons of mean heights and yields with the control kept clean from sowing to millet harvesting. The results showed the sensitivity of millet plants to Sesbania pachycarpa. The results revealed that the threshold density for damage could be estimated at 6 Sesbania pachycarpa plants/m² and the critical interference period at the fourth week after sowing. This study showed that the presence of Sesbania pachycarpa influences millet yield. Indeed, the best yields were obtained in plots without Sesbania pachycarpa. Millet yield decreased with increasing Sesbania pachycarpa density. The average percentage yield reduction was 36.79%, with a minimum of 21.25% and a maximum of 80%. The findings of this study complete the efforts of developing weed control techniques in pearl millet fields densely populated with Sesbania pachycarpa.