Weed problems of rice producers: A case study from Gönen – Balıkesir

Weeds are one of the main problems that affect the production process, yield, and quality of rice plant, which is among the most important grain crops in human nutrition. Identifying the challenges faced by rice producers is the first step towards eliminating the direct and indirect problems caused by weeds in agricultural production areas and designing sustainable management programs. Accordingly, this study aimed at determining the problems faced by rice producers due to weeds. For this purpose, a survey was conducted with the participation of 100 rice producers in the Gönen district of Balıkesir province in the Marmara Region. A formal questionnaire comprising 41 questions was prepared to collect information within the scope of the demographic structures of the rice producers, the weed taxa they encounter most, the environmental and socio-economic impacts of these taxa, the control methods, and the application principles of chemical control in weed management. According to the results, all participants agreed that weed problems were the main challenge in their farming areas. However, the majority of the participants (82%) did not know the concept and application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Other remarkable responses included that only herbicides are used in the management of weeds (100%), the producers apply a single annual crop rotation (69%), and that herbicide rotation is only done at a rate of 17%. In addition, the findings regarding the recommendation of herbicide use to other producers (83%) and the frequency of herbicide use being applied outside of the periods specified on the label (88%) are remarkable. It was regarded as positive findings that the producers knew the calibration application (100%), the majority of the respondents adhered to the waiting period of the herbicides (63%), they knew the conditions to be considered in the herbicide applications (59%), and that they not use an unknown herbicide only according to the recommendation (57%). This study is the first funding to evaluate the problems experienced by producers in the rice production areas of Gönen district of Balıkesir province with a questionnaire. Therefore, all the data obtained here can make valuable contributions to all rice producers, especially regional producers who complain about the ineffectiveness of herbicides. In addition, it can be used to closing the knowledge gaps regarding the creation of weed management programs in rice production areas and the implementation of these programs. Finally, In addition, the results can serve as a valuable resource for studies to be carried out within the scope of sustainability of rice production, the evaluation of environmental and socio-economic problems in the production processes, and the prevention of negative impacts such as the development of herbicide resistance.