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You notice holes in your maize leaves. Your tomato leaves have brown spots, or your cassava leaves are turning yellow. What is causing the damage?

Before you spray, find out what you are dealing with. Insects that feed on crops and diseases caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses require different control methods. Using the wrong product may waste money without solving the problem.

Here is how to recognise the warning signs.

1. Check for Insect Damage

Some insects chew leaves, bore into stems or feed on plant sap. Their feeding often leaves visible signs on the crop.

Look out for:

Holes in leaves: Caterpillars and grasshoppers chew leaves, sometimes leaving large holes or ragged edges.

Damaged stems: Stem-boring caterpillars can tunnel into stems, weakening plants and sometimes causing the growing point to dry up.

Curled leaves: Aphids and whiteflies feed on plant sap and may cause leaves to curl or become distorted.

Damaged fruits and pods: Some insects bore into tomatoes, maize cobs or developing pods, damaging the produce.

What to do: Inspect the affected plants, including the undersides of leaves, young shoots, stems and fruits. Look for live insects, eggs, droppings or feeding marks. These clues can help you identify the insect responsible.

2. Check for Signs of Plant Disease

Plant diseases can also damage leaves, stems, roots and fruits. They may be caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses, and their symptoms can differ from one crop to another.

Look out for:

Leaf spots: Brown, black or yellow patches that may enlarge or spread across the leaf.

Powdery or fuzzy growth: Some fungal diseases produce visible growth on leaves, stems or fruits.

Wilting and rotting: Plants may wilt, develop rotten roots or stems, or die despite adequate watering.

Unusual patterns on leaves: Some viral diseases cause mottled colours, yellow patterns, curling or distorted growth.

What to do: Examine the affected leaves and other plant parts. Check whether the spots are spreading, whether several plants show similar symptoms and whether there are signs of rotting or unusual growth. If you cannot identify the disease confidently, seek advice from an agricultural extension officer or agronomist.

3. Do Not Confuse One Problem with Another

Some symptoms look alike. For example, yellow leaves may result from insect feeding, plant disease, poor soil nutrition or water stress.

Holes in leaves may suggest insect feeding, but spots and wilting alone do not confirm a disease.

That is why you should not choose a treatment based on one symptom. Examine the crop carefully and identify the likely cause before taking action.

4. Choose the Right Control Method

Once you have identified the problem, choose a control method that addresses it.

For insect damage: If a harmful insect is responsible for the damage and treatment is necessary, use an insecticide registered for the specific crop and target pest. Saro offers a range of insecticide solutions for different pest challenges. These include Capsitox for mirid control in cocoa and vegetables, Hallakat for armyworm control in maize, Termex or Solitex for termite control, and Sting for the control of piercing and sucking insects in legumes, among others. Always confirm that the product is registered for the intended crop and pest, and follow label instructions for proper application.

For fungal diseases: Managing fungal diseases may require removing infected plant material, improving field conditions and applying a registered fungicide where recommended. Saro offers Blue Snow, Clot and Sarozeb for the management of fungal diseases in crops, depending on the crop and disease involved. For cocoa farmers dealing with black pod disease, Mackecknie Gold and Mackecknie Extra are effective Saro solutions to consider. Always confirm the product’s recommended use for the specific crop and disease, and follow label instructions.

For bacterial or viral diseases: Fungicides will not cure these infections. Control may involve removing infected plants, managing insect carriers where relevant, using healthy planting materials and following recommended farm hygiene practices.

Always read the product label and follow the recommended application rate, crop instructions and safety precautions. If you are uncertain about the cause, get professional guidance before spraying.

5. Inspect Your Farm Before Problems Spread

Make crop inspection part of your weekly farm routine. Check your leaves, stems, roots, flowers and fruits regularly. Look for changes and investigate them early.

Record what you observe and the steps you take. Early identification can help you avoid unnecessary spraying, reduce wasted expenses and protect your crop.

Before You Spray, Identify the Problem

Holes in leaves, brown spots and wilting are warning signs, but they do not all point to the same cause.

Check for insect feeding. Look for signs of disease. Identify the problem before choosing a treatment.

Need help with a crop problem? Use the FarmPropa app’s Report an Issue feature to upload a photo and details of the affected crop for review by an agronomist.

For guidance on suitable crop protection products, speak with a trusted SARO agro-dealer.

Legumes such as cowpea, soybean and groundnut are important crops for Nigerian farmers. They provide food, support household income and contribute to soil fertility. However, insect pests can damage leaves, flowers, pods and seeds, reducing crop performance and yield if not properly managed.

When insects attack a crop, the first reaction may be to reach for an insecticide. But spraying without first identifying the insect pest can waste money, increase production costs and harm beneficial insects that help keep pest populations under control.

A better approach is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). It combines regular field scouting, correct insect identification, preventive practices and responsible insecticide use to manage insect pests effectively.

The principle is simple: Scout your field. Identify the insect pest. Decide on the right control method. Spray only when necessary.

1. Scout: Check Your Field for Insect Pests

Effective insect pest management begins with regular field inspection. Do not wait until leaves are badly damaged or pods are destroyed before checking your crops.

Walk through your field regularly, inspecting different sections rather than checking only the edges. Pay attention to the leaves, stems, flowers and pods for visible insects and signs of insect feeding.

Look out for:

• Holes and damaged leaves: These may indicate the presence of leaf-feeding insects.
• Curling or distorted leaves: Some sap-sucking insects can cause these symptoms.
• Damaged or dropping flowers: Flower-feeding insects may affect flower retention and reduce pod formation.
• Holes in pods or damaged seeds: These may indicate the presence of pod-feeding insects.
• Visible insects or eggs: Check the undersides of leaves, flowers and other sheltered areas where insect pests may hide.
• Discoloured or weakened plants: Some insect pests damage plants by sucking sap, while others cause visible feeding injuries.

Remember that not every damaged leaf or unhealthy plant indicates an insect pest problem. Similar symptoms can result from diseases, nutrient deficiencies, water stress and other crop conditions. Confirm the likely cause before deciding whether an insecticide is needed.

Record the insects you observe, the parts of the crop affected, the extent of the damage and whether the infestation is increasing. These observations will help you determine the appropriate response.

2. Identify: Know the Insect Pest Before Choosing a Treatment

Different insect pests attack legumes at different growth stages and cause different types of damage. Some feed on leaves, others attack flowers and pods, while some suck sap from the plant.

Using an insecticide without correctly identifying the target pest can lead to poor control, unnecessary expenses and continued crop damage.

Before deciding on a treatment, consider the following:

• Identify the insect pest. Examine the insect, its eggs, feeding patterns and the type of damage it causes. If you cannot identify it confidently, seek advice from a qualified agronomist or agricultural extension officer.
• Assess the level of infestation. The presence of a few insects does not automatically mean your crop needs spraying. Consider how widespread the infestation is, whether insect numbers are increasing and the extent of the damage.
• Consider the crop’s growth stage. Pay particular attention during flowering and pod formation, when insect damage can affect pod development and yield.
• Match the insecticide to the target pest. Different insecticides control different insects. A product that works against one pest may not effectively control another. Always confirm that the product is registered for the crop and target insect pest in Nigeria.
• Consider other control methods. Depending on the insect pest and the level of infestation, cultural, mechanical and biological control methods may help reduce pest populations. Insecticides should be used when necessary and as part of an integrated approach.

Correct identification helps you choose an appropriate control method and avoid spending money on insecticides that may not solve the problem.

3. Prevent: Adopt Practices That Help Manage Insect Pests

Integrated Pest Management does not rely on insecticides alone. Preventive practices can help reduce insect pest problems and limit the need for repeated spraying. Some of these include:

Practising Good Farm Hygiene

Where appropriate, remove heavily infested crop residues and manage volunteer plants that may harbour insect pests. Control weeds that compete with the crop or serve as alternative hosts for certain insects.

Follow recommended crop rotation practices where they can help disrupt the life cycles of specific insect pests. Rotation choices should be based on the pest involved and its host plants.

Planting at the Recommended Time

Planting at the locally recommended period can help your crop establish well and may reduce exposure to certain insect pest outbreaks.

Use suitable varieties recommended for your location and follow good agronomic practices to support healthy crop development.

Protect Beneficial Insects

Not all insects found on your farm are harmful. Some are natural enemies of crop pests and help keep their populations under control. Pollinators also play an important role in crop production.

Avoid unnecessary insecticide applications that may harm these beneficial insects. When chemical control is necessary, choose suitable registered products and follow label instructions to minimise harm to non-target organisms.

Monitor Your Crop Throughout the Season

Insect pest management is an ongoing activity. Continue inspecting your crop throughout its growth stages, paying particular attention to new infestations and changes in insect activity.

Regular monitoring helps you detect problems early and determine whether your preventive practices and control measures are working.

4. Spray: Use Insecticides Responsibly When Necessary

When field scouting confirms an insect pest problem that requires chemical control, select an insecticide registered for the intended crop and target insect pest in Nigeria. Saro Agrosciences offers a range of insecticide solutions for legumes, including Kombat, Cypertex, Vanguish, Solitex and Sting.

The right insecticide is one that is effective against the identified insect pest, registered for use on the crop and applied according to its label instructions. Do not assume that every insecticide will control every insect pest.

Before spraying, follow these guidelines:

• Read the product label. Confirm that the insecticide is registered for the crop and target insect pest, and check the approved application rate and method.
• Use the recommended rate. Do not increase the dosage in an attempt to achieve faster or better results. Incorrect application rates can increase risks without improving control.
• Wear the required protective equipment. Follow label instructions for handling, mixing, application and cleanup.
• Apply at the recommended time. Crop growth stage, insect activity and weather conditions can affect application effectiveness. Follow the product label and applicable safety guidance.
• Protect beneficial insects. Avoid exposing bees, pollinators and other beneficial insects to insecticide sprays. Follow label precautions, particularly when the crop is flowering.
• Protect people, animals and water sources. Avoid spray drift into neighbouring fields, homes, water bodies and other sensitive areas.
• Observe the pre-harvest interval. This is the required period between the final insecticide application and harvest. Follow the interval stated on the product label.
• Check your spraying equipment. Ensure your sprayer is in good working condition and properly calibrated to deliver the recommended application rate.

Never mix insecticides or combine them with other pesticides unless the product labels or qualified technical guidance confirm that the combination is appropriate.

Also, avoid unnecessary or excessively frequent spraying. Repeated use of the same insecticide or mode of action can contribute to insecticide resistance, making insect pests more difficult to control.

After spraying, return to the field to assess the results. If the insect pests remain, investigate the cause before applying another treatment. Poor results may be linked to incorrect pest identification, unsuitable product selection, application errors, weather conditions or insecticide resistance.

5. Avoid Common Insect Pest Management Mistakes

Even when farmers have access to crop protection products, certain mistakes can undermine their efforts.

• Spraying without scouting: Applying insecticides simply because neighbouring farmers are spraying can lead to unnecessary costs. Inspect your own field before deciding.
• Using the wrong insecticide: An insecticide may not control the particular insect pest affecting your crop. Identify the target pest and confirm that the product is approved for its control.
• Ignoring the product label: Incorrect application rates, unsuitable application methods and failure to observe pre-harvest intervals can put farmers, consumers and the environment at risk.
• Spraying without considering beneficial insects: Unnecessary insecticide applications can harm natural enemies of insect pests and pollinators, disrupting the balance of the farm ecosystem.
• Repeating an ineffective treatment: If insect pests remain after spraying, investigate why the treatment failed. Follow appropriate resistance-management guidance, including rotating between insecticides with different modes of action when recommended.
• Stopping field monitoring after spraying: An insecticide application does not eliminate the need for further inspection. Continue checking for surviving insects, new infestations and signs of crop recovery.

Avoiding these mistakes helps farmers make better use of their insecticides, manage production costs and protect their crops more effectively.

6. Make Insect Pest Management Part of Your Farm Routine

A good IPM programme begins before insect damage becomes severe and continues throughout the growing season.

Build these habits into your farm routine:

• Inspect your field regularly for insect pests and signs of feeding damage.
• Record the insects observed, affected crop parts and extent of damage.
• Confirm the identity of the target insect pest before choosing a treatment.
• Adopt preventive and non-chemical control methods where appropriate.
• Use registered insecticides only when necessary and according to label instructions.
• Protect beneficial insects and pollinators when planning control measures.
• Revisit the field after treatment to assess insect control and determine the next step.

Where available, work with agricultural extension officers and qualified agronomists to improve insect identification and treatment decisions. Keeping simple field records can also help you recognise recurring infestations and make better decisions in future growing seasons.

Protect Your Legumes with Better Insect Pest Management

Successful legume production requires more than reacting to visible insect damage. It requires regular field scouting, correct insect identification and the right control method at the right time.

Integrated Pest Management provides a practical approach to managing insect pests while reducing unnecessary insecticide applications, protecting beneficial organisms and supporting healthy crop development.

At Saro Agrosciences, we remain committed to supporting farmers with practical crop protection knowledge and solutions that help them make informed decisions throughout the growing season.

Download the FarmPropa app, available on Android and iOS, to use the Report an Issue feature and receive responses from agronomic experts. You can also speak with a trusted SARO agro-dealer or follow Saro Agrosciences across our social media platforms for practical farming tips.

Planting season is here, and every farmer wants one thing: a good harvest.

But sometimes, the small mistakes we make at planting are the same mistakes that create losses later in the season.

Before you continue planting your rice, legumes, or other crops this season, take a moment to check if you are making any of these five common mistakes.

1. Planting Without Preparing Your Land Properly

Good crops start with good land preparation. Planting on poorly prepared land can lead to uneven germination, poor root development, weed problems, and difficulty managing the crop later.

What to do instead: Clear and prepare the field properly before planting. Make sure the soil is suitable for the crop and that the field is free from excessive weeds and unnecessary crop residue that may interfere with planting.

A well-prepared field gives your crop a better start.

2. Using Poor-Quality or Untreated Seeds

The seeds you plant can make a big difference to your harvest.

Seeds kept from a previous season or bought cheaply from an unknown source may have poor germination, low vigour, or carry pests and diseases. Starting with poor-quality seeds can affect the crop right from the beginning.

What to do instead: Use quality seeds from a trusted source and choose varieties that are suitable for your crop and location.

SARO Agrosciences provides reliable seed options, including FARO 44 and FARO 67 for rice, as well as SC 651 and SC 719 for maize, among other options.

Where applicable, use properly treated seeds and follow the recommended planting and seed-treatment practices for your crop.

Good planting starts with good seed.

3. Getting Your Spacing and Seed Rate Wrong

How much seed you plant and how you space during planting matters.

Planting too close together can cause plants to compete for water, nutrients, sunlight, and space. Planting too far apart, on the other hand, can leave too much unused space in the field and reduce your plant population.

What to do instead: Follow the recommended spacing and seed rate for your specific crop and variety.

Correct spacing gives your plants enough room to establish, grow, and make better use of available resources.

Not sure about the right agronomic practices for your crop?

The FarmPropa app, available on Android and iOS, provides practical agronomic information to help you make better decisions throughout the farming season.

4. Waiting Until Weeds Appear Before Taking Action

This is a common mistake. Many farmers wait until weeds are already visible before thinking about weed control. But by then, weeds may already be competing with your young crop for nutrients, water, sunlight, and space.

What to do instead: Where appropriate for your crop and farming system, consider pre-emergence weed control shortly after planting and before weeds emerge.

Starting weed management early can give your crop a better chance to establish with less weed competition.

SARO Agrosciences has several pre-emergence herbicide options, including Triplex, Rooter, Vigor, and Buster, with the right choice depending on the crop, weeds present, and your farming conditions. Also be prepared to apply an appropriate post-emergence herbicide when weeds begin to reappear.

Always use the herbicide recommended for your crop and follow the product label for the correct rate, timing, and application method.

5. Planting Without Paying Attention to the Rainfall Pattern

The rain has started, so it is time to plant, right?

Not always. Planting too early, before rainfall becomes reliable, can expose young seedlings to moisture stress. Planting too late can also affect the crop’s ability to complete its growth cycle before the rains reduce or stop.

What to do instead: Pay attention to the rainfall pattern in your area and plant within the recommended window for your crop, variety, and location.

Don’t plant simply because other farmers have started. The right planting time for one crop or location may not be the same for another.

Good Timing Can Make A Big Difference.

Get It Right From the Start

A good harvest does not begin at harvest time. It starts with the decisions you make before and during planting.

Before you continue planting, ask yourself:

✓ Is my field properly prepared?

✓ Am I using quality seeds?

✓ Am I using the right spacing and seed rate?

✓ Do I have a weed-management plan?

✓ Am I planting at the right time for my crop and location?

Getting these basics right can help you reduce avoidable losses and give your crops a stronger start.

Need guidance on agronomic practices, seeds, or the right weed-control solution for your farm? Download the FarmPropa app for practical agronomic information, and speak with a trusted SARO dealer for reliable agricultural inputs.

Every farmer wants one thing at the end of the season: a healthy crop and a rewarding harvest. Choosing the right fertilizer is only half the equation, applying it at the right time is what helps your crops get the nutrients they need to grow stronger.

Poor timing can reduce nutrient availability, increase fertilizer losses, and limit your crop’s ability to make the most of the nutrients you’ve invested in. In other words, even the best fertilizer may not deliver the desired results if it is applied at the wrong time.

Here’s why fertilizer timing matters and how you can get it right.

Why Timing Matters

Plants need nutrients at specific growth stages. Applying fertilizer too early may result in nutrients being lost through runoff, leaching, or volatilization before the crop can use them. Applying too late may mean your crops have already missed the stage where those nutrients are most beneficial.

Proper timing helps to:

• Improve nutrient uptake by crops.
• Promote healthy root and vegetative growth.
• Increase fertilizer use efficiency.
• Reduce nutrient losses.
• Support better yields and crop quality.

Common Fertilizer Timing Mistakes Farmers Make

1. Applying Before Heavy Rainfall

While moisture helps dissolve fertilizer and move nutrients into the soil, applying fertilizer immediately before heavy rainfall can wash nutrients away before plants absorb them.

Tip: Check weather forecasts and avoid fertilizer application if significant rainfall is expected within the next 24 hours.

2. Waiting Too Long After Planting

Young crops require nutrients early to establish strong roots and vigorous growth. Delaying fertilizer application may lead to poor establishment and slower development.

Tip: Follow the recommended fertilizer schedule for your specific crop.

3. Applying During Water Stress

Whether due to drought or waterlogging, stressed crops cannot efficiently absorb nutrients.

Tip: Apply fertilizer when soil moisture is adequate and crops are actively growing.

Know Your Crop’s Nutrient Needs

Different crops have different nutrient requirements and feeding schedules.

🌾 Rice

Rice benefits from split fertilizer applications. Rather than applying everything at once, nutrients are supplied at key growth stages to improve uptake and reduce losses.

🌽 Maize

Maize requires sufficient nutrients during its early vegetative stage to support leaf development and strong stalk growth.

🌱 Legumes

Although legumes can fix atmospheric nitrogen, they still require balanced nutrition, particularly phosphorus and potassium, for healthy root development, flowering, and pod formation.

Split Applications Deliver Better Results

Applying all your fertilizer at once isn’t always the best approach.

Split applications help:

• Reduce nutrient losses.
• Improve nutrient availability throughout crop growth.
• Increase fertilizer efficiency.
• Support higher yields.

Always follow crop-specific fertilizer recommendations.

Pair Fertilizer with Good Agronomic Practices

Fertilizer performs best when combined with sound crop management practices such as:

• Timely weed control.
• Proper irrigation or water management.
• Healthy planting materials or quality seeds.
• Correct plant spacing.
• Regular field scouting for pests and diseases.

Good agronomy helps crops make the best use of available nutrients.

Don’t Forget Your Soil

Healthy soils improve fertilizer performance.

Consider:

• Conducting soil tests where possible.
• Maintaining soil organic matter.
• Preventing soil erosion.
• Practicing crop rotation where applicable.

Knowing your soil allows you to apply nutrients more efficiently and avoid unnecessary costs.

Conclusion

Fertilizer is an investment, and like every investment, it delivers the best returns when used wisely. By applying fertilizer at the right growth stage, monitoring weather conditions, and following recommended crop practices, you can improve nutrient use efficiency and set your crops up for healthier growth and better yields.

This season, don’t let poor timing reduce your fertilizer’s impact. Plan your applications carefully, follow best practices, and give your crops the nutrients they need, when they need them most. At SARO Agrosciences, we’re committed to helping farmers make informed decisions that lead to healthier crops, higher productivity, and more profitable harvests. Download the FarmPropa app for good agronomic practices. Follow

Groundnut, cowpea, and soybean are among Nigeria’s most valuable legume crops. They provide food, income, and livestock feed and improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. But producing a healthy, high-yielding crop requires more than good seeds; it takes the right agronomic practices from planting to harvest.

Here are the secrets to growing healthier legumes.

1. Start with a Clean Field

A clean field gives your crop the best chance to establish and grow without competition.

Before planting, clear existing weeds using quality land clearing products like Weedoff Gold to create a weed-free seedbed.

2. Plant Quality Seed at the Right Time

Use certified, high-quality Seed Co soybean seed varieties suitable for your location. Plant at the recommended time and maintain proper spacing to encourage healthy growth and maximise yield.

 3. Stop Weeds Before They Start

Early weed control is one of the biggest contributors to a successful legume harvest.

Apply a pre-emergence herbicide immediately after planting to prevent weeds from emerging and competing with your crop. Products like Buster or Rooter (for groundnut) provide effective pre-emergence weed control when used according to recommendations.

For young weeds that emerge as your crops grow, apply product Twig as a post-emergence solution to keep your field clean and your crop growing without unnecessary competition.

 4. Scout Your Farm Regularly

A few minutes spent walking through your field each week can save you from major losses.

Look out for:

• Actively growing weeds
• Signs of insect attack
• Disease symptoms
• Poor plant growth
• Nutrient deficiencies

Early detection means quicker action and healthier crops.

5. Protect Against Diseases

Fungal diseases can reduce plant vigor, pod development, and overall yield.

When disease pressure is high or early symptoms appear, protect your crop. Timely fungicide application helps keep plants healthy and productive.

Always apply crop protection products according to label recommendations and at the appropriate growth stage.

6. Feed Your Crop Well

Healthy plants need balanced nutrition.

Apply fertilizer based on your soil needs and crop requirements. Well-fed plants are more resilient and better positioned to produce high-quality pods.

7. Harvest at the Right Time

Harvest when the crop reaches maturity to reduce losses from shattering, mould, and pests. Dry your produce properly before storage to maintain quality and market value.

Healthy Legumes Start with Smart Decisions

Great yields don’t happen by accident. They come from making the right decisions throughout the season starting with a clean field, managing weeds early, scouting regularly, and protecting your crop when it matters most.

For more agronomic tips and product recommendations tailored to your crop and field conditions, download the FarmPropa app (Available on Android and iOS) your pocket guide to better farming or speak with your nearest Saro Agrosciences representative today.

Rice farming is demanding. You prepare the land, plant your seeds, and invest your time, money, and energy into a harvest you depend on. But there’s a silent threat many farmers don’t notice until it’s too late – weeds.

Weeds don’t announce themselves. They creep in quietly, compete for the same nutrients your rice needs, and by the time the damage is visible, you’ve already lost a significant portion of your yield and your income.

What Poor Weed Control Actually Costs You

The numbers are sobering. Research shows that uncontrolled weeds can reduce rice yield by anywhere between 30% and 100%, depending on weed density and how early they establish. That’s not a small impact; that’s the difference between a profitable season and a devastating one.

Here’s what weeds are silently taking from your farm:

Nutrients: Weeds like Rottboellia (itchgrass) and water hyacinth compete aggressively with your rice for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the same nutrients you paid for in fertiliser. Every weed that establishes itself is drawing from a pool your rice needs.

Water: In paddy fields especially, weeds consume water at rates that put your crop under stress, particularly during the critical tillering and heading stages.

Sunlight: Tall, aggressive weeds shade your rice seedlings during early growth, slowing development and reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesise effectively.

Your labour: Manual weeding is back-breaking and expensive. When done too late or inconsistently, it disrupts root systems and often doesn’t fully eliminate the problem.

Time: Delay weed control past the critical window, typically the first 3 to 4 weeks after planting, and the damage to your yield is already done, no matter what you do after.

The Two Windows You Cannot Miss

Effective weed management in rice operates on two fronts: pre-emergence and post-emergence. Missing either one leaves your crop exposed.

Pre-emergence: Stop weeds before they start

The most effective way to manage weeds is to prevent them from establishing in the first place. Pre-emergence herbicides are applied immediately after planting before weeds break the soil surface, creating a barrier that stops germination.

BUSTER (Butachlor 60 EC) works similarly, controlling grasses and broadleaf weeds with a straightforward application 300ml in a 20-litre knapsack, applied immediately after planting or within 24 hours. That window matters. The earlier you apply, the more effective your protection.

Post-emergence: Take back control when weeds emerge

Even with a strong pre-emergence, some weeds will find their way through. That’s where post-emergence herbicides come in.

RICECHAMP is a selective post-emergence herbicide formulated specifically for rice, combining Bispyribac Sodium and Cyhalofop-butyl for control of grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds. Its advanced formulation ensures deeper penetration for more effective action. Apply when weeds are at the 3 to 4 leaf stage 60ml to 70ml in a 20-litre knapsack and you’ll stop the competition before it fully takes hold.

The keyword is selective. Ricechamp targets the weeds without harming your rice, which makes it a reliable partner at a stage when your crop is still establishing.

The Real Cost Is in the Delay

Many farmers hold off on herbicide application sometimes because of cost concerns, sometimes because the weeds don’t look severe yet. But weed pressure is most damaging in the early weeks. By the time the impact is visible in your crop, you’ve already lost yield you cannot recover.

The cost of a proper herbicide product is a fraction of what poor weed control will cost your harvest. When you calculate the cost of seeds, land preparation, fertiliser, labour, protecting that investment with the right weed management is simply best practice.

Track Your Farm, Make Better Decisions

Knowing when to apply, what to apply, and how much is the difference between weed control that works and money wasted on products applied at the wrong time or rate.

Visit the FarmPropa app to get product recommendations and good agronomic practices for rice. Available on Android and iOS.

Rice is one of Nigeria’s most important staple crops and one of the most rewarding to grow when you get it right. Whether you’re planting for the first time or looking to improve your yield this season, this guide breaks down everything you need to know, step by step.

Start With the Right Variety

Not all rice is the same. Choosing the right variety for your soil type, location, and target market is the first decision that shapes your entire season. Saro Agrosciences recommends two proven, high-yielding varieties for Nigerian farmers:

• FARO 44 — a popular lowland variety known for its early maturity and good grain quality. It performs well in irrigated and rainfed lowland conditions and is widely accepted in Nigerian markets.
• FARO 52 — a high-yielding variety with strong resistance to major rice diseases, including blast. It is well-suited to inland valley swamps and lowland ecosystems and delivers excellent yields under proper management.

Consult your nearest Saro agro-input dealer or use the FarmPropa app to get recommendations based on your location and farming conditions.

Prepare Your Land Well

Good land preparation is the foundation of a good harvest. Whether you’re farming upland, lowland, or irrigated rice, your land must be properly tilled, levelled, and cleared of weeds before planting begins.

For lowland and flooded rice fields:

• Puddle the soil thoroughly to reduce water loss and suppress weed growth
• Level the field to ensure uniform water distribution
• Clear all crop residues from the previous season

For upland rice:

• Plough and harrow at least two weeks before planting
• Clear weeds early, they are the number one yield thief on upland farms

Know Your Planting Season

In Nigeria, rice planting typically aligns with the rainy seasons, with planting periods commonly occurring between March–May and July–September depending on the region.

Planting at the right time ensures your crop has enough moisture during the critical vegetative and flowering stages. Late planting = lower yield. Always aim to plant within the first two weeks of your target window.

Seed Selection and Treatment

Start with certified, clean seed. Diseased or poorly stored seed leads to poor germination, uneven stands, and weak plants that are easily attacked by pests.

Before planting, treat your seeds to protect against soil-borne diseases and pests from day one. A simple salt water float test can also help you separate heavy, healthy seeds from empty or light ones remove the ones that float.

Planting Methods: Which One is Right for You?

Direct Seeding (Broadcasting or Drilling): Seeds are sown directly into the field without transplanting. This is faster and requires less labour, but needs proper spacing and weed control from the start.

Transplanting: Seeds are germinated in a nursery for 2–3 weeks, then transplanted to the main field. This method allows for better weed management and can improve plant establishment, especially in lowland conditions.

Whichever method you choose, target a plant population that gives each seedling enough space to tiller and grow without competition.

Feed Your Crop Right

Rice is a heavy feeder. Nutrient deficiency especially nitrogen is one of the most common reasons farmers get low yields despite doing everything else right. Apply fertiliser in splits for best results:

• Basal application (at planting or land preparation): Phosphorus and potassium to build root strength
• Top dressing (3–4 weeks after planting): Nitrogen to drive vegetative growth
• Second top dressing (at tillering/panicle initiation): Nitrogen to boost grain set

Always follow recommended rates for your soil type and target variety.

Weed Control: Don’t Let Them Steal Your Harvest

Weeds compete with your rice for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Left unmanaged, they can cut your yield by 30–70%. Early weed control is critical  the first 30 days after planting are your most important window.

• Use pre-emergence herbicides like Buster or Pendigold immediately after planting to prevent weed establishment
• Follow up with post-emergence control with herbicides like Ricechamp, Nominee Gold, Seletgold or Select when necessary.
• In flooded fields, maintaining a consistent water level naturally suppresses many weed species

Watch for Pests and Diseases

Common threats to rice in Nigeria include:

• Stem borers — look for dead hearts early in the season and whiteheads at grain filling
• Brown plant hopper — causes “hopperburn,” turning patches of rice brown suddenly
• Rice blast — a fungal disease that attacks leaves, necks, and panicles, especially during humid weather
• Bacterial leaf blight — causes yellowing and wilting from the leaf tips downward

Monitor your farm regularly. Early detection saves your crop. Act fast with the right product at the right time. Control insect pests with appropriate insecticides like Hallakat and Fungal diseases with an effective fungicide like Blue Snow.

Water Management

For irrigated and lowland rice, water management directly affects yield. Maintain the right water depth at each growth stage too much or too little at the wrong time causes stress and reduces grain set. Drain fields completely about 2 weeks before harvest to allow the soil to firm up and make harvesting easier.

Harvest at the Right Time

Rice is ready to harvest when 80–85% of the panicles have turned golden yellow. Harvesting too early gives you immature, chalky grains. Harvesting too late leads to grain shattering and field losses.

After harvesting, thresh, dry, and store your grain properly to protect quality and market value.

Your Season, Your Yield

Rice farming rewards farmers who plan ahead, act on time, and use the right inputs at the right moment. From seed selection to harvest, every decision matters.

At Saro Agrosciences, we provide the crop protection products, agro-inputs, and farmer support you need to grow rice with confidence. Visit your nearest Saro dealer or download the FarmPropa app to get personalized product recommendations for your farm.

For Nigerian farmers, rain is a blessing, until it isn’t. The planting season brings with it the hope of a good harvest. But in recent years, heavy and unpredictable rainfall has become one of the biggest threats to that hope. Flooding destroys crops, washes away topsoil, spreads disease, and wipes out weeks of hard work in a matter of hours.

The question is no longer “if” heavy rain will come, it’s whether your farm will be ready when it comes.

Why Flooding Is Getting Worse

Rainfall across Nigeria has become more intense and unpredictable in recent years, and many farms especially those in low-lying areas with poor drainage are bearing the brunt of it. When the soil can no longer absorb water fast enough, your seedlings, fertilizer, and soil nutrients all go with the flood.

 What Flood Damage Really Costs a Farmer

Before we talk solutions, it helps to understand exactly what flooding does to a farm:

• Crop loss: Waterlogged roots suffocate. Most crops cannot survive more than 48–72 hours of standing water.
• Soil erosion: Floodwater strips away the nutrient-rich topsoil that took seasons to build.
• Nutrient leaching: Fertilizers and soil minerals are washed deeper into the ground or carried off entirely, leaving the soil depleted.
• Pest and disease spread: Stagnant water creates a breeding ground for fungi, bacteria, and pests like armyworms and mosquitoes.
• Infrastructure damage: Farm roads, storage facilities, and irrigation systems can be destroyed or compromised.

The financial setback from a single flood event can push a farming household back by an entire season or more.

Practical Steps to Protect Your Farm

1. Improve Your Farm’s Drainage System

Good drainage is your first and most important line of defense. Before the rains peak, inspect and clear all drainage channels around your farm. Create furrows or ridges between crop rows to direct excess water away from root zones. For low-lying farms, consider raised bed farming – planting on elevated mounds reduces waterlogging significantly.

 2. Choose Flood-Tolerant or Early-Maturing Varieties

Where possible, select crop varieties that can withstand brief periods of waterlogging, or opt for early-maturing varieties that can be harvested before the heaviest rains arrive. This is especially relevant for rice, maize, and cassava farmers in flood-prone zones.

 3. Apply Mulch to Protect Your Soil

Mulching your farm beds helps slow water runoff and reduces soil erosion. Organic materials like dry grass, straw, or crop residues placed around plant bases absorb some of the water impact and keep the soil structure intact.

 4. Use Herbicides Before the Rains Intensify

Weeds compete with crops for nutrients and after a flood, they bounce back faster than your crops do. Applying a reliable systemic herbicide before or immediately after a flood event helps you stay ahead of weed pressure without the back-breaking labour of manual weeding on waterlogged soil.

 5. Avoid Farming in Flood Plains without Proper Preparation

If your farmland is in a known flood plain, extra planning is non-negotiable. Consider contour farming – planting along the natural curves of the land to slow water flow or work with an agronomist to assess whether the land needs additional intervention before the season begins.

6. Build Soil Health Before the Rains Come

Healthy, well-structured soil absorbs water more effectively than depleted or compacted soil. Incorporating organic matter, practicing crop rotation, and using the right soil amendments before the season strengthens your farm’s natural resilience. Strong root systems also anchor the soil and reduce erosion.

 7. Monitor Weather Forecasts and Plan around Them

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) publishes seasonal rainfall predictions every year. Farmers who align their planting schedules with these forecasts are better positioned to harvest before the worst rains hit. Follow NiMet updates, listen to agricultural radio programmes, and connect with your local extension officer for real-time guidance.

8. Have a Post-Flood Recovery Plan

Even with the best preparation, flooding can still occur. Know what to do after:

• Drain standing water as quickly as possible.
• Assess crop damage early to decide what can be saved and what needs replanting.
• Reseed damaged areas with fast-maturing varieties if the season still allows.
• Replenish soil nutrients with appropriate fertilizers, since flooding leaches most of what was there.
• Scout for pests and disease aggressively in the weeks following a flood, as conditions are prime for outbreaks.

The Bottom Line

Flooding is a reality Nigerian farmers must plan for, not panic about. With the right preparation, the right inputs, and the right timing, you can significantly reduce what a heavy rainy season takes from you.

Download the FarmPropa app by Saro Agrosciences (Available on Android and iOS) to access expert agronomic tips for your crops, Saro agrochemical product information, and farmer support.

Weeds grow rapidly, fungal diseases thrive in wet conditions, and certain insect pests become more active. By the time the signs are visible, crop damage and yield losses may have already occurred.

The key to a successful harvest is timely crop protection. Taking the right action at the right stage can make all the difference.

This checklist guides you through each stage of crop growth, from seedling to harvest, helping you stay ahead of threats and protect your yield throughout the season.

✅ Stage 1: Land Preparation & Pre-Planting

Before your seed goes into the ground, your land should already be working for you.

– Clear all existing weeds thoroughly. Rainy season weeds are aggressive, don’t give them a head start.

– Check your soil drainage. Waterlogged soil invites fungal infections from the roots up.

– Inspect your seeds. Diseased or weak seeds carry problems into the season before it even begins.

– Apply a pre-emergence herbicide within 24 hours of planting, before weeds break the soil surface.

Key reminder: Pre-emergence herbicides work on a time window. Miss it and you loose the advantage entirely.

✅ Stage 2: 1–3 Weeks After Planting

This is when your crop is most vulnerable. Small stress at this stage means big losses later.

– Monitor for early weed emergence. If pre-emergence coverage was missed or incomplete, apply a post-emergence herbicide carefully and early.

– Watch for damping-off, a fungal condition that kills seedlings at soil level. It moves fast in wet conditions.

– Check for cutworms and other soil insects that attack young roots overnight.

– Avoid spraying during heavy rainfall. Give applications at least 4–6 hours of dry weather to absorb properly.

✅ Stage 3: Vegetative Growth (3–8 Weeks)

Your crop is growing so are your problems if you’re not watching.

– Weeds at this stage compete directly for nutrients and light. Remove or treat immediately.

– Begin fungicide applications. if rainfall has been heavy and consistent. Don’t wait for symptoms.

– Scout for aphids, stem borers, and leaf-eating insects. Early infestation is far cheaper to treat than a full outbreak.

– Check leaf colour and texture yellowing, spots, or curling are early disease signals.

✅ Stage 4: Flowering & Podding

This is your most critical window. What happens here determines your yield.

– Do not spray indiscriminately during flowering. Some chemicals affect pollination. Know what you’re applying.

– Maintain fungicide cover, humid conditions during this stage create ideal conditions for blight and mould.

– Control insects aggressively. Pod borers and thrips at flowering stage can devastate your final count.

– Keep the field free of standing water around the base of plants.

✅ Stage 5: Maturation & Pre-Harvest

You’re almost there. Don’t lose it in the final stretch.

– Observe pre-harvest intervals (PHI) on all chemicals. Spraying too close to harvest affects safety and quality.

– Control late-season weeds that compete for the last nutrients before harvest.

– Watch for storage mould beginning on the plant — especially in maize and grains.

– Plan your harvest around dry weather where possible to reduce post-harvest fungal risk.

Conclusion

Crop protection isn’t one action. It’s a season-long commitment.

Every stage has its challenge. Every threat has a window. Miss the window and you’re managing damage instead of preventing it.

Farm with a plan. Protect every stage.

Saro Agrosciences has the right solution for each stage of the rainy season. Visit your nearest agrodealer or download the FarmPropa app on Android and iOS

Every farmer wants a bigger harvest. But bigger harvests do not always require bigger budgets. The difference between a good yield and a great yield often comes down to knowledge, knowing what to do, when to do it, and how to do it right.

As this new month begins, here are five proven strategies that can significantly improve your crop yield without adding pressure to your farm budget.

1. Plant at the Right Time, Not Just Any Time

Timing is one of the most powerful and most overlooked yield drivers on any farm. Planting too early or too late can reduce your yield by 20–40%, even if you do everything else correctly.

The optimal planting window for most crops, especially maize, is within the first two weeks of reliable rainfall. This ensures:

• Seeds germinate in moist, warm soil
• Plants establish roots before peak heat
• Crop growth aligns with the full rainy season
• Flowering and grain-fill happen during peak rains

Practical tip: Monitor your local rainfall pattern. When you have received 3–5 consecutive days of rain, and the soil is moist 5–10 cm deep, that is your planting signal. Do not wait for “the right feeling.” Act on the data.

2. Control Weeds Early Before They Steal Your Yield

Weeds are silent yield thieves. Research shows that uncontrolled weeds in the first 3–5 weeks after planting can reduce maize yields by up to 50%. They compete directly with your crops for water, nutrients, and sunlight at the exact time your seedlings need those resources most.

The most cost-effective weed control strategy is pre-emergence herbicide application, applied immediately after planting and before weeds emerge. This gives your crop a clean, weed-free environment from day one.

Why pre-emergence? Once weeds are 10–15 cm tall, the damage to your crop has already begun. Removing them at that point reduces losses, but cannot fully reverse the early competition. Prevention is always cheaper and more effective than a cure.

Practical tip

Early weed control is one of the highest-return investments a farmer can make. You spend once. Your crop benefits for the whole season.

3. Use Quality Seed – Every Season Counts

Your seed is the foundation of your harvest. Improved, certified seeds are specifically bred for higher yield potential, disease resistance, and climate adaptability. Using poor or recycled seeds is one of the fastest ways to undermine an otherwise good farming season.

The difference between certified improved seed and retained seed can be as much as 30–50% in yield, with no additional inputs required.

What to look for in quality seed:

• High germination rate (above 85%)
• Certified by a reputable seed company
• Variety adapted to your local conditions
• Treated against seed-borne pests and diseases

Practical tip: Do not recycle seed for more than one season. The investment in fresh, improved seed each planting season pays for itself many times over at harvest.

4. Fertilise Smart – Right Type, Right Time, Right Rate

Fertiliser is often one of the biggest cost items on a farm. But many farmers either use the wrong type, apply at the wrong time, or use too little, meaning they spend money without getting the full yield benefit.

Smart fertiliser use means maximising what you already spend, not spending more:

• Apply basal fertiliser (NPK) at planting for root development and early vigour
• Apply top-dressing fertiliser (Urea/CAN) 4–6 weeks after planting for vegetative growth
• Follow the recommended rate for your crop and soil type, more is not always better
• Apply when soil is moist, never to dry soil, to improve uptake and reduce waste

Practical tip: Split your fertiliser application. Do not apply everything at once. This improves efficiency, reduces losses from leaching, and often delivers better results with the same quantity of fertiliser.

5. Protect Your Crop – Pests and Diseases Cost You at Harvest

You can plant on time, fertilise correctly, and still lose a significant portion of your yield to weeds, pests and diseases if you are not watching.

In Nigeria and across West Africa, Fall Armyworm (FAW) remains one of the most destructive pests for maize, capable of wiping out an entire field within days if undetected. Other threats include stem borers, aphids, and fungal diseases like leaf blight and rust.

How to stay ahead of crop damage:

• Scout your field at least twice a week from germination
• Act at first sign of infestation, do not wait
• Use a proven insecticide like Hallakat (by Saro Agrosciences) for effective control of armyworms and other insects.
• Rotate your pesticides to prevent resistance build-up

Practical tip: The cost of one pesticide application is far less than the cost of losing 30–40% of your harvest. Early detection and fast action are the two most important habits a crop protection strategy depends on.

Conclusion

Higher yields do not always demand higher costs. Most of the time, they demand better decisions planting at the right time, protecting the crop early, choosing quality inputs, and staying proactive.

Not sure where to start this season? Download the FarmPropa app  available on Android and iOS  for personalised farm input recommendations.