What are weeds and why they should be removed from our gardens/fields??
Any unwanted plants or grasses that damage the main crop/plant are called "weeds".
Some weeds grow like grasses, some like creepers / climbers/vines.
They grow as parasites in one stage and as independent in another stage.
In parasite stage, they absorb the water and nutrients that the main plant needs thereby hindering the yield.
In the independent stage, they develop a root system and grow strong to such an extent that they occupy the whole space surrounding the main plant.
They grow tall and disturb the main plants from getting proper sunlight.
The vine weed wraps around the main plants and keeps them away from the sun’s rays. Hence it contributes to the spread of pests.
In this way, the plant will not grow healthy lacking water, nutrients and proper sunlight inhibiting the expected benefits/results.
So it is good to protect the plant by removing it from the pots/ garden/ field in a proper manner at the right time.
It is being said that some of these weeds have Ayurvedic properties and some can be used in food recipes.But still dont let them grow as it is harmful to our main plants/crops and yield.
These weeds can also be transported in to our gardens/fields through cattle manure.
Note:
The most dangerous weed is Parthenium/ Vayyari Bhama/ Mukku Pudaka/ Congress plants.
It’s been said that these weeds got transported to India through the wheat that was imported from foriegn countries.
They spread very quickly and occupy the empty space around the main plants in the fields; depriving the plants of water, nutrients and sunlight which inturn reduces the yield drastically. This weed also acts as catalyst in spreading more pests and bugs.
This is the main problem faced by our farmers today.
They can be avoided to some extent in the fields by removing them thoroughly and burning them before plowing at the onset of rains.
However, when we water the plants/crop, they keep sprouting here and there again.
Although it is a costly and time consuming task, one should try to remove the weeds in a timely manner and save the plants/crop.
Alla Venkateswara Rao,
Vikarabad.
CTG. 9
Translated to English by,
Udaya Obelisetty
CTG 7