Research Highlights

WP 1.1 Weed management in different cropping systems under conservation agriculture systems

Weed management in rice-maize-cowpea cropping system under conservation agriculture

OUAT, Bhubaneswar

The practice of CT (Trans)-ZT-ZT system of tillage recorded significantly higher grain yield in Rabi (5.3 t/ha) and Kharif (4.47 t/ha). Practice of ZT (DSR)-ZT+R-ZT system resulted in 25 % yield reduction as compared to CT-CT in both the seasons. Weed index values were maximum in ZT-ZT-ZT system (25%) and yield losses due to weeds were 40% in both the seasons

Weed management in rice-wheat-greengram cropping system under conservation agriculture

CCSHAU, Hisar

In rice-wheat cropping system under conservation agriculture (CA), the emergence of Phalaris minor was low under ZT wheat with residues (7.7-9.7/m²) as compared to ZT-CT wheat without residues (15.3-30.7/m²). Grain yield of wheat (6.27-6.50 t/ha) after ZT-CT-DSR were higher than after conventional PTR (6.11-6.28 t/ha). During Kharif, system yields of DSR based rice-wheat were similar to PTR based rice-wheat system.

Weed management in rice-maize-sesbania cropping system under conservation agriculture

PJTSAU, Hyderabad

More system productivity, gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio obtained under CT Kharif rice followed by maize under conventional tillage (12.5 t/ha, Rs. 219756; Rs. 141256 and 2.80) and zero tillage practices, respectively (11.0 t/ha; Rs. 2,06,298; Rs.1,31,408 and 2.75), even though more cost of cultivation incurred towards conventional tillage, due to realization of more yield under conventional system over direct seeded aerobic rice.

Weed management in rice-wheat-greengram cropping system under conservation agriculture

SKUAST, Jammu

Density of Medicago spp. decreased in CT transplanted rice-CT wheat than ZTDSR/ZTDSR+residue–ZT wheat+residue and CT transplanted rice-ZT wheat as compared to initial weed density. The density of Phalaris minor, Ranunculus arvensis and Anagalis arvensis were decreased in ZTDSR/ZTDSR+residue-ZT wheat+residue than CT transplanted rice-CT wheat and CTSDR-CT-wheat as compared to initial weed density. The higher grain yield of wheat with lowest weed density and weed biomass were recorded in ZTDSR/ZTDSR+residue-ZT wheat+residue as compared to CT transplanted rice-CT wheat and CTDSR-CT wheat. The integrated weed management (sulfosulfuron+metsulfuron 30+2 g/ha at 30 DAS fb HW at 45 DAS) recorded significantly highest grain yield, benefit cost ratio and weed control efficiency as compared to herbicidal treatment (sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron 30+2 g/ha at 30 DAS). From all the tillage & residue and weed management combinations, highest net returns and benefit cost ratio in rice were recorded in ZTDSR+residue and integrated weed management (Pendimethalin 1 kg/ha as PE fb bispyribac-sodium 25 g/ha at 25 DAS fb HW at 45 DAS) combination.

Weed management in rice-wheat cropping system under conservation agriculture

PAU, Ludhiana

Under different tillage and residue management practices, population density and dry weight of P. minor was lower in zero till wheat with or without residue compared to conventional tillage, while, it was reverse in case of broad leaved weeds. In rice-wheat system, the wheat sown after incorporation of rice residue with mouldboard plough had significantly lower density of P. Minor while wheat sown using CT after removing rice residues had highest density of P. minor in soil seed bank.

Weed management in rice-wheat-Sesbania cropping system under conservation agriculture

GBPUAT, Pantnagar

Among the different establishment methods, wheat grain yield and B: C ratio (3.2) was highest under conventional wheat after direct seeding of rice without residue and Sesbania incorporation. Whereas, significantly highest grain yield of rice was achieved under conventional transplanting of rice followed by zero tillage wheat along with residue and sesbania incorporation by achieving highest net return as well as B:C ratio (2.0). Among weed management practices, IWM achieved maximum grain yield of rice and B:C ratio.

Weed management in rice- rapeseed -greengram cropping system under conservation agriculture

BCKV, Kalyani

In rice-rapeseed-greengram cropping system under CA, transplanted rice treated with pretilachlor 0.75 kg/ha PRE fb bispyribac-Na 25 g/ha at 25 DAT +mechanical weeding at 50 DAT performed best with lowest weed count and biomass and highest grain yield. Rapeseed under CT preceded by conventionally transplanted rice found superior with highest yield, net return and lowest weed biomass when there was the weed management practice of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha PRE + mechanical weeding at 30 DAS.

Weed management in rice-mustard-green manure cropping system under conservation agriculture

AAU, Jorhat

The grain yield of rice of the system significantly increased under MT (DSR) and CT (TR) compared to CT (DSR) under rice-mustard-green manure cropping system under conservation agriculture. Higher phosphate solubilising bacteria, azotobacter and azospirillum population were observed under MT (DSR) and then there was an increasing trend in the population which declined at harvesting of transplanted rice.

Weed management in rice-wheat-cowpea fodder cropping system under conservation agriculture

IGKV, Raipur

In rice-wheat-cowpea, fodder cropping system under CA, CT had 7.4% higher resource use efficiency over ZT, transplanting had 7.97% higher over direct seeding, chemical weed control by 85.0% over unweeded while, integrated weed control proved to be 101% more efficient over unweeded, respectively.

Weed management in maize-sunflower-dhaincha cropping system under conservation agriculture

TNAU, Coimbatore

In maize–sunflower cropping system under CA, significantly higher grain yield and economics were recorded in zero tillage in ZT-ZT+R system and in PE pendimethalin at 1.0 kg/ha + HW on 45 DAS in sunflower crop. Whereas, in maize, CT-CT system and in PE atrazine at 0.5 kg/ha + HW on 45 DAS recorded higher productivity as well as high income in maize.

Weed management in maize-wheat  cropping system under conservation agriculture

CSKHPKV, Palampur

In conservation agriculture system (Maize–wheat cropping system) tillage as well as weed management treatments significantly affected the grain and straw yield of wheat crop. CT-ZT had highest grain yield which was statistically at par with those under ZTR-ZTR and CT-CT. On the other hand, CT-CT resulted in significantly higher wheat straw yield which remained alike to ZTR-ZTR and CT-ZT. Tillage treatments did not significantly affect the intercrop grain and straw yield i.e. sarson grown in replacement series in integrated weed management treatment.

Weed management in maize-wheat-greengram  cropping system under conservation agriculture

MPUAT, Udaipur

In maize-wheat-greengram cropping system under conservation, during Kharif maize,  the tillage and residue management treatments, total weed density at 60 DAS attained highest with the treatment, maize (ZT)-wheat (ZT)- greengram (ZT) and lowest with maize (CT)-wheat (CT) – fallow. Significant increase in grain and stover yield of maize was recorded with weed management treatments, highest grain yield and stover yield were obtained by controlling weeds with application of atrazine 500 g/ha PE fb temotrione 125 g/ha PoE at 21 DAS which was at par with application of atrazine 500 g/ha as PE with hand weeding (IWM). In wheat, among tillage and residue management treatment, total weed density at 60 DAS attained highest with the maize (CT)-wheat (ZT)- greengram (ZT) and lowest in maize (ZT+R)-wheat (ZT+R)- greengram (ZT).

Weed management in maize based cropping system in conservation agriculture

UAS, Bengaluru

Among tillage practices, adopting permanent bed tillage practices recorded significantly higher maize yield (3.04 t/ha) and lower weed emergence fb conventional tillage (2.98 t/ha) in maize-greengram cropping system under CA.

Weed management in pearl millet-mustard-cowpea cropping system under conservation agriculture

RVSKVV, Gwalior

In cowpea under pearlmillet based cropping system, integrated weed management (pendimethalin + imazethapyr + 1 HW) gave maximum seed yield (718 kg/ha) as well as reduced the weed density and dry weight of weeds followed by application of imazethapyr + imazamox 80 g/ha PoE. The significantly higher seed yield (762 kg/ha) was obtained in ZT+R-ZT+R-ZT treatment and was CT–ZT–ZT (725 kg/ha).

Weed management in soybean-wheat-greengram cropping system under conservation agriculture

PDKV, Akola

In soybean-wheat-greengram, use of two harrowing by tyne harrows and a blade harrow (CT) instead of roto-till (MT) and zero-till (ZT) in combination with pre-emergence herbicide fb post-emergence herbicide application (WM) not only improves the physical properties of soil, but provide added productivity and economic security in vertisols.

Weed management in cotton-greengram cropping system under conservation agriculture

AAU, Anand

Significantly the highest seed cotton equivalent yield was achieved under zero tillage with residue whereas, significantly higher seed cotton equivalent yield was achieved under HW at 20, 40 and 60 DAS but it was at par with pendimethalin 900 g/ha PE fb quizalofop-ethyl 50 g/ha + pyrithiobac-sodium 62.5 g/ha PoE (tank mix) fb HW at 60 DAS. Significantly higher seed yield of greengram was achieved under zero tillage in cotton-greengram cropping system.

Weed management in rice-tomato-okra system under organic cropping

OUAT, Bhubaneswar

Application of 1/3 recommended dose of N each through FYM, dhaincha and neemcake alongwith Azospirillum + PSB to rice followed by same proportion of organics through FYM, Vermicompost and Neem cake +  Azotobacter + PSB (T₃)  to tomato and lady’s finger  in rice-tomato-lady’s finger system resulted  in the maximum grain yield of rice (4.84 t/ha), fruit yield of tomato (16  t/ha) and  lady’s finger (7 t/ha) with REY of  28  t/ha/yr.

Weed management practices in okra-carrot under organic cropping system

PJTSAU, Hyderabad

Kharif,  Okra

Mulching with polysheet+ inter row hand weeding at 30 days after sowing or cultural practice involving mechanical weeding with power weeder at 20 and 40 days after sowing or stale seed bed fb hand weeding at 20 and 40 days after sowing can be recommended for efficient weed control. Straw mulch at 5 t/ha, also better option in terms of cost effectiveness in view of non availability of labour during critical periods and high cost of labour coupled with poor efficiency.

Rabi, 2017-18

From the results of the study it can be concluded that, application of pendimethalin 30 E.C at 1000g/ha fb hand weeding or mechanical weeding at 20 and 40 DAS fb by hand weeding proved effective can be recommended for efficient weed control and higher yield root yield of carrot. Straw mulch at 3 t/ha or power weeding twice are also better options in terms of cost effectiveness in view of non availability of labour during critical periods and high cost of labour coupled with poor efficiency.

Weed management in basmati rice-broccoli-Sesbania (green manure) organic cropping system under organic farming

SKUAST, Jammu

In potato, experimental field was dominated by Anagalis arvensis, Rumex dentatus, Fumaria parviflora, Melilotus indica and Chenopodium album, Ranunculus arvensis, Medicago spp., Cirsium arvense, Vicia spp. and Phalaris minor. At 60 days after planting and harvest, mustard seed meal 2.5 t/ha+1 hand weeding and rice bran 2.5 t/ha + 1 hand weeding were recorded significantly lower in weed density and biomass as compared to weedy check and other treatments. The highest potato yield was recorded with mustard seed meal 2.5 t/ha + 1 hand weeding at 30 days after planting which was statistically at par with rice bran 2.5 t/ha + 1 hand weeding and significantly higher than all other treatments. However, highest benefit cost ratio was recorded with mustard plant extract + one hand weeding.

In french bean, at 60 DAS and harvest, mustard seed meal 2.5 t/ha + 1 hand weeding and rice bran 2.5 t/ha + 1 hand weeding were recorded significantly lower weed density and biomass as compared to other treatments in frenchbean. The highest green pod yield was recorded with mustard seed meal 2.5 t/ha+one hand weeding which was statistically at par with rice bran 2.5 t/ha+one hand weeding. Among organic treatments, highest benefit cost ratio was recorded in mustard plant extract + one hand weeding as compared to mustard seed meal 2.5 t/ha+one hand weeding and other treatments.

Stale seedbed +1 HW at 30 DAT

Weed management in organic tea

AAU, Jorhat

Green leaf yield of tea under organic management was found to be the highest at all the plucking stages in case of bio-degradable film mulching due to its effective management of weeds.

Weed management in organic based basmati rice- wheat cropping system

PAU, Ludhiana

In organically raised basmati rice-wheat system, different weed control treatments including differential plant density of rice, wheat and green manure crop, tillage systems and straw much provided similar level of weed control and gave similar basmati rice and wheat grain yields in second cropping cycle; in conventionally grown treatment, residues of metsulfuron applied to wheat and pendimethalin to basmati were BDL in soil and crop grains.

Weed management in maize-pea organic crop production system

CSKHPKV, Palampur

Under organically managed maize – garlic cropping system, diverse weed management practices resulted in greater diversity of weed species with 22 species in winter season and 19 in rainy season. Garlic bulb equivalent yield was significantly higher under raised stale seed bed + mulch or hoeing, intensive cropping or intercropping treatments.

Weed management options in rice-wheat cropping system under organic mode of cultivation

GBPUAT, Pantnagar

Among the different organic modes of weed management, the highest yield of wheat and rice was achieved in direct seeded rice (FIRB) on stale bed fb one hoeing and one HW; wheat (FIRB) fb one hand weeding.

Weed management in organic sweet corn – fennel cropping system

MPUAT, Udaipur

In organic weed management in sweet corn, results indicated that the major broadleaf weeds in the experimental fields were Digera arvenris, Trianthema partulacafram, Physilis minima,Setaria gluca and Commehina bengalensis. The grassy weedswere Echinochloa colona and Dinebra retroflexa. Maximum values of seed yield (4.11 t/ha) of sweet corn was recorded with crop sown with treatment of stale seed bed with plastic mulch, which was at par with plastic mulch with soil solarization + plastic mulch and summer ploughing + plastic mulch. All the organic weed management treatments proved statistically superior over weedy check. The highest (Rs. 62746/ha) B: C (1.62) was recorded with stale seed bed with plastic mulch.

In fennel, the major broadleaf weeds in the experimental fields were Chenopodium album, Chenopodium murale, Fumaria parviflora, Convolulus arvensis, Melilotus albaand Malwa parviflora. The grassy weed and sedges were Phalaris minor and Cyperus rotundus. Maximum seed yield (1.436 t/ha) of fennel was recorded with crop sown with treatment of soil solarization with plastic mulch, which was at par with plastic mulch with summer ploughing and stale seed bed. The highest net return (Rs. 66129/ha) and B: C (1.71) was recorded with stale seed bed with plastic mulch.

Weed management in rice-capsicum system under organic cropping

BCKV, Kalyani

Weed Control Efficiency was highest of about 87, 82.93 and 82.65% at 30, 60 DAS and at harvest, respectively when the crop was treated with RDF + pretilachlor 750 g/ha fb bispyribac Na 25 g/ha at 25 DAT. Among different weed management practices, application of RDF + pretilachlor 750 g/ha fb bispyribac Na 25 g/ha at 25 DAT found superior towards recording highest yield attributing characters viz., panicle/m² (442.67), grains/panicle (82.33),test wt.(20.87 g) and yield viz., grain (5.12 t/ha), straw yield (6.41 t/ha). This helped in realizing highest net return (Rs. 27920 /ha) and B:C ratio (0.33). Next highest grain (4.90 t/ha), straw yield (6.33 t/ha) and net return (Rs. 20785 /ha) were recorded with Two hand weeding at 20 & 40 DAT followed by Two mechanical weeding by paddy weeder at 20 & 40 DAT. The lowest yield (4.20 t grain/ha and 5.66 t straw/ha) and net return (Rs. 13455/ha) were recorded in weedy treatment.

Weed management under turmeric- cowpea organic cropping system

KAU, Thrissur

Weed density at 45 and 90 DAS was not affected by various mulches treatments in a turmeric based cropping system. Mulching with polythene sheet best controlled weed growth and application of herbicide oxyfluorfen was on par with this. Highest B: C ratio was obtained with application of oxyfluorfen followed by polythene mulching.

Evaluation of non – chemical methods of weed management in fox tail millet Setaria italica 

UAS, Bengaluru

In Foxtail millet, two hand weeding (20 & 40 DAS) recorded significantly higher grain yield (1.43 t/ha) which was on par with stale seed bed technique followed by intercultivation at 25 and 45 DAS (1.4 t/ha).

Weed management in rice, and rice-based cropping systems

Long-term herbicide trial in transplanted lowland rice-rice cropping system

TNAU, Coimbatore

Significantly higher grain yield and income was obtained with PE bensulfuron-methyl + pretilachlor 660 g/ha fb hand weeding. Whereas, in Kharif 2018 significantly higher grain yield and income were obtained with PE pyrasosulfuron-ethyl 20 g/ha fb hand weeding. The soil microflora and soil enzymes were reduced initially, howver it was gradually increased upto 10 times compared with hand weeding.

Long-term herbicidal trial in rice-rice cropping sequence

AAU, Jorhat

In the long-term herbicidal trial in rice-rice cropping sequence, the highest grain yield in autumn and winter rice was resulted by pyrazosulfuron 25 g/ha + 2,4-D 0.5 kg/ha rotated with pretilachlor 0.75 kg/ha (75% nutrient through fertilizers + 25 % nutrient through organic source) because of this treatment was found best in managing weeds.

Weed management and soil enrichment by concurrent growing of daincha in rice-rice-vegetable cropping system

KAU, Thrissur

Under this experimentation, at 45 DAS, significantly lower weed density of Isachne miliacea was observed in the hand weeded treatment and in rice- Daincha cha concurrent system in which daincha was incorporated manually, followed by hand weeding (Table 1). The total dry biomass accumulation of weeds and higher weed control efficiency (WCE) at 45 DAS was also found lower with the rice- Daincha concurrent system in which daincha was incorporated manually, followed by hand weeding treatment.  Just after 45 DAS, very heavy rains and unpredicted flood occurred and the field was completely submerged for about a week, resulting in a completely different trend of weed dry matter production at 65 DAS. Hand weeding again recorded lowest value of dry matter, but the other treatments which were best at 45 DAS showed a reverse trend. Comparing weed density at 45 and 65 DAS, it was observed that at 65 DAS, there was a significant reduction in density of all species except that of Isachne miliacea and Ludwigia perennis, which probably could overcome complete prolonged submergence and still survive. Data on effect of treatments on grain yield showed that all treatments were on par except in the case of rice- Daincha concurrent system with Daincha incorporated manually and unweeded control, which registered significantly lower yields. Effect of treatments on straw yield was non-significant.

Table 1 Effect of different weed management practices on weed growth, crop yield and economics in rice-rice-vegetable cropping system (Kharif, 2018)

Note: Original figures in parentheses were subjected to square-root transformation before statistical analysis

Weed management in maize-based cropping system

Efficacy of pre and post emergence herbicides in maize

PDKV, Akola

The weed control treatments significantly reduced the weed density and weed biomass when compared with unweeded control (Table 2). Among the different weed management treatment, early post-emergence application of tembotrione +atrazine (120+500g/ha) fb IC + HW at 40DAS and topramezone +atrazine (25.2+500g/ha) fb IC + HW at 40DAS proves better in controlling weed density and dry matter accumulation at 60 DAS in maize. Maximum grain and straw yield at harvest was found in conventional practice i.e. IC + HW at 20 and 40 DAS, which was at par with atrazine  1  kg/ha fb HW at 40 DAS and post emergence herbicides + IWM treatment. The net return  was found maximum under conventional practice followed by atrazine  1.0 Kg/ha PE fb HW at 40 DAS and tembotrione +atrazine (120+500g/ha) EPOE fb IC + HW at 40DAS. Whereas, the maximum B:C ratio  (3.12) was found with atrazine  1.0 Kg/ha PE fb HW at 40 DAS and tembotrione +atrazine (120+500g/ha) EPOE fb IC + HW at 40DAS treatment in the same treatments and which closely followed by topramezone +atrazine (25.2+500g/ha) EPOE fb IC + HW at 40DAS treatment (3.11).

Table 2 Effect of different weed management treatments on weed growth, crop yield and economics in maize

Note: PE: Pre-emergence; PoE: Post-emergence; EPoE: Early post-emergence; LPoE: Late post-emergence; IC: Intercultural operation; HW: Hand weeding; DAS: Days after sowing; fb: Followed by; Original figures in parentheses were subjected to square-root transformation before statistical analysis.

Evaluation of new post-emergent herbicides for weed control in maize

MPUAT, Udaipur

The most dominating weed species in experimental plot were Echinochloa colona and Setaria viridi.  Weed density of monocot weeds were higher than dicot weeds. At 60 DAS, the lowest weed density and dry weight was recorded with pre- emergence application of atrazine 750 g/ha fb tembotrione 120 g/ha at 20 DAS over other treatments (Table 3). The maximum grain yield (5.24 t/ha) was recorded with pre-emergence application of atrazine 500 g/ha ha fb tembotrione 120 g/ha at 20 DAS which was statistically at par with two manual weeding at 15 & 35 DAS (5.21 t/ha). Atrazine 750 g/ha fb topramezone 25.2 g/ha at 20 DAS, atrazine 500 g/ha fb tembotrione 120 g/ha at 15-20 DAS, atrazine 500 g/ha fb topramezone 25.2 g/ha at 15-20 DAS and atrazine 500 g/ha + 2,4-D 800 g/ha statistically at par with each other in terms of grain yield. The maximum straw yield was recorded in pre-emergence application of atrazine 500 g/ha ha fb tembotrione 120 g/ha at 20 DAS over other treatments. The highest net returns (Rs. 70515/ha) and B C ratio (2.51) were realized with pre-emergence application of atrazine 500 g/ha ha fb tembotrione 120 g/ha at 20 DAS.

Table 3 Effect of different weed management treatments on weed growth, crop yield and economics in maize

Note: PE: Pre-emergence; DAS: Days after sowing; Original figures in parentheses were subjected to square-root transformation before statistical analysis.

Weed management with new generation herbicides in maize (sweet corn)

OUAT, Bhubaneswar

In sweet corn, at 45 DAS, treatments like pre-emergence application of pendimethalin
(1 kg/ha) fb tembotrione (115 g/ha) and pre-emergence application of pendimethalin
(1 kg/ha) fb topramezone (25 g/ha) reported lowest weed population which differ significantly from remaining treatments in decreasing total weed population (Table 4). Whereas, at the same stage of maize crop, pre emergence application of pendimethalin (1kg/ha) fb tembotrione (115 g/ha) at 40 DAS, pre emergence application of pendimethalin (1kg/ha) fb topramezone (25 g/ha) at 40 DAS gave minimum weed dry weight. Both the treatments are significantly superior over the remaining treatments. Fresh kernel yield of sweet corn was significantly influenced due to different weed control treatments. All the weed control treatments recorded significantly higher cob yield than weedy check. Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin (1 kg/ha) fb topramezone (25 g/ha) at 40 DAS recorded higher fresh kernel yield (16.4 t/ha) over rest of the treatments. However, pre-emergence application of pendimethalin (1.0 kg /ha) fb tembotrione (115 g/ha) at 40 DAS (15.8 t/ha), pre-emergence application of  pendimethalin (.0 kg/ha) fb 1 HW at 40 DAS (14.8 t/ha),  pre-emergence application of  atrazine (1.0 kg/ha) fb 1 HW at 40 DAS (14.3 t/ha) recorded higher  yield which were at par  with pendimethalin (1.0 kg/ha) fb topramezone (25 g/ha) at 40 DAS.

Table 4 Effect of different weed management treatments on weed growth, crop yield and economics in maize (sweet corn)

Note: PE: Pre-emergence; PoE: Post-emergence; EPoE: Early post-emergence; LPoE: Late post-emergence; IC: Intercultural operation; HW: Hand weeding; DAS: Days after sowing; fb: Followed by; Original figures in parentheses were subjected to square-root transformation before statistical analysis.

Weed management in other cropping system

Herbicidal weed management in greengram

CCSHAU, Hisar

Experimental field was infested with Trianthema portulacastrum and Cyperus rotundus. All pre-emergence herbicide treatments proved effective against predominant weed T. portulacastrum but not against C. rotundus. Post-emergence application of aciflourfen + clodinafop at all the rates proved very effective against T. portulacastrum but its efficacy against C. rotundus was poor. Pyroxasulfone alone at 127.5 and 150 g/ha and its combination with pendimethalin proved effective against all weeds. Maximum plant dry matter accumulation and number of pods /plant were recorded under weed free treatment which was at par with aciflourfen + clodinafop at all rates and imazethapyr + pendimethalin at 1000 g/ha. Presence of weeds throughout the season caused 76 % reduction in seed yield of green gram. Seed yield was maximum (1.29 t/ha) with use of aciflourfen  + clodinafop at 370 g/ha which was significantly at par with its lower dose, pyroxasulfone 150 g/ha, pyroxasulfone + pendimethalin, imazethapyr + pendimethalin at 1000 g/ha and weed free but significantly higher than all other treatments.

Integrated weed management in turmeric

PDKV, Akola

In the experimental field, both broad and narrow leaved weeds were observed but dominance of broad leaved weeds was observed in entire field. The weed control treatments significantly reduced the weed population and weed biomass when compared with unweeded control. At 60 DAS, treatment hand weeding (25, 45 & 75 DAP) recorded significantly lower weed count and dry matter accumulation followed by glyphosate fb 2 HW (45 & 75 DAP), pendimethalin 1 kg/ha (0-5 DAP) fb straw mulch 10 t/ha (10 DAP) fb one HW (75 DAP) and metribuzin 0.7 kg/ha (0-5 DAP) fb straw mulch (10 DAP) fb HW (75 DAP). At 60 DAS highest weed control efficiency (WCE) was recorded under metribuzin 0.7 kg / ha (0-5 DAP) fb straw mulch (10 DAP) fb HW (75 DAP) followed by post-emergence application of glyphosate fb 2 HW (45 & 75 DAP) followed by pendimethalin 1 kg/ha (0-5 DAP) fb straw mulch 10 t/ha (10 DAP) fb one HW (75 DAP). Number of leaves recorded more or less similar in most of the treatment while maximum number found with those treatments performed better in managing weeds. Maximum rhizome yield was observed in weed free treatment (23.88 t/ha) while among the IWM treatments application of pendimethalin 1 kg/ha (0-5 DAP) fb straw mulch 10 t/ha (10 DAP) fb one HW (75 DAP) recorded higher rhizome yield (22.72 t/ha) which was closely followed by metribuzin 0.7 kg/ha (0-5 DAP) fb straw mulch (10 DAP) fb HW (75 DAP). The higher net return and B:C ratio was also observed with these treatments.

Rice residue management to standardize the succeeding wheat crop

GBPUAT, Pantnagar

Present study envisaged the management of rice residue in a combine harvested field and its impact on wheat performance. Rice was harvested very close to the surface at 30 and 50 cm by combine and in all cases, loose straw left by combine was removed from the field (simulating as conditions created by Baler). In conventional tillage, double harrow + planking + rotavator + double harrow + planking and in reduced tillage harrow + planking + rotavator + harrow + planking were done to prepare land. In zero tillage, sowing was done at about 70% of field capacity moisture. The day on which sowing was done in zero tillage; the field preparation was started in other tillage systems. In the first year, grain yield was not influenced significantly by tillage systems and was comparable in all the tillage systems (Table 1.3.4.1(i). Numerically, reduced tillage managed to record maximum grain yield. Whereas, straw yield and harvest index both were influenced significantly by tillage systems. Reduced tillage recorded maximum straw yield and harvest index, which was comparable in all the tillage systems. Residue load did not influence grain and straw yield, and harvest index. Reduced tillage attained maximum yield due to better rhizospheric environment.

Management of complex weed flora in summer greengram

PAU, Ludhiana

Major weed flora in the field included Trianthema portulacastrum, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Digitaria sanguinalis and Cleome viscosa. Application of sodium acifluorfen + clodinafop propargyl at 245 and 306 g/ha gave effective control of all weeds species which was significantly better than use of sodium acifluorfen, clodinafop-propargyl or pendimethalin alone. All weed control treatments gave significantly higher seed yield of greengram than unsprayed weedy check. Sodium acifluorfen + clodinafop propargyl at 245 and 306 g/ha gave the highest seed yield of greengram which was at par to weed free treatment.

Management of complex weed flora in rapeseed & mustard crops

PAU, Ludhiana

Cyperus rotundus was the major weed in the experimental field. Other weeds included Eleusine indica, Digitaria sanguinalis, Eragrostis tenella, Anagallis arvensis, Trianthema portulacastrum, Phylanthus niruri. Pre-emergence application of napropamide at 1125 and 1406 g/ha significantly reduced the density of all the weeds as compared to unsprayed check. Napropamide at all doses at 843, 1125 and 1406 g/ha significantly reduced biomass of grasses, broadleaves and sedges than unsprayed check; there was significant decrease in weed biomass with every increment of napropamide. The height and branches of crop plants did not vary significantly among weed control treatments. Application of napropamide at all levels significantly increased seed yield of toria as compared to unsprayed check; seed yield with napropamide at 1125 and 1406 g/ha were at par to weed free treatment. Herbicide was safe to the crop at doses tested.

Weed management in sugarcane

Evaluation of different herbicides in spring planted sugarcane

CCSHAU, Hisar

Weed flora of experiment consisted of Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Cynodon dactylon (grassy), Euphorbia microphylla (broad leaved weed-BLW) and Cyperus rotundus (sedge). At 45 DAS, all weed control treatments were very effective against grasses and broadleaf weeds. Treatments consisted of halosulfuron proved very effective against C. rotundus as is evident from density of sedges at 45 DAS. Inspite of three hoeing, density of Cyperus was more in this treatment due to regeneration in 3 days after hoeing. Sulfentrazone at 720 g/ha was fb hoeing fb metsulfuron/2,4-D was less effective in reducing density of total weeds particularly sedges. Similar trend in density of grassy, BLW and sedges was also observed at 60 DAS. Effect of halosulfuron in reducing density of C. rotundus remained consistent. None of the treatment affected the germination count and phytotoxicity on sugarcane crop (data not given).  Early post emergence (15 DAP) use of glyphosate 40% SL at 1860 g/ha + metribuzin was more effective than paraquat fb atrazine in reducing total weed count.

Weed management in spring planted sugarcane

BCKV, Kalyani

The most dominating weeds were Cyperus rotundus and C. difformis as sedge, Cynodon dactylon as grassy weed and Alternanthera phyloxeroides, Physalis minima, Commelina benghalensis and cucumis sativus as broad leaved species.  The minimum dominance of C. rotundus and C. dactylon was observed in the treatment having atrazine 1.0 kg/ha as PRE fb hand weeding at 30 DAS, and this treatment also reduces the total biomass of weeds to a greater extent.  Regarding crop performance, highest value of biological yield was recorded in atrazine 1.0 kg/ha as PRE fb hand weeding at 30 DAS followed by sesbania co-culture fb 2, 4-D 1.0 kg/ha at 40 DAS and atrazine + pendimethalin (0.50 + 0.5 kg/ha) PRE fb hand weeding at 30 DAS. Yield components and yield as recorded in the experiment are presented in the below table showed that the treatment atrazine 1.0 kg/ha as PRE fb hand weeding at 30 DAS was the best performer and the second best one was the treatment sesbania co-culture fb 2, 4-D 1.0 kg/ha at 40 DAS. This threatments also gave higher net return and B:C ratio as compared to others treatments.

Weed management in orchards

CSKHPKV, Palampur

Integrated weed management in established peach orchard

The weed flora of the experimental field comprised of Alternanthera philoxeroides, Ageratum, Cynodon dactylon, Artemisia, Bidens pilosa, Trifolium repens, Plantago lanceolata, Setaria glauca and Polygonum. In the month of March major weed flora comprised of Ageratum, C. dactylon, Artemisia, T. repens and P. lanceolata. The population of Artemisia was highest followed by P. lanceolata, C. dactylon, T. repens and Ageratum. In the month of August major weed flora comprised of A. philoxeroides, Ageratum, C. dactylon, Artemisia, B. pilosa, S. glauca and Polygonum. The population of Ageratum was highest followed by A. philoxeroides, B. pilosa, C. dactylon, Artemisia, Polygonum and S. glauca. Results of the study revealed that maximum peach yield was recorded in legume intercropping treatment (7.74 t/ha) and which was at par with the manual weeding, fodder intercropping, application of glyphosate, while significantly lowest peach yield was recorded under unweeded situation due to abundance of weeds.

Weed management in fenugreek

MPUAT, Udaipur

Bioefficacy evaluation of different herbicides in fenugreek and their residual effect on succeeding crop

The prominent weed species in experimental field were Chenopodium album, Chenopodium murale, Fumeria parviflora, Malwa parviflora, Melilotus indica, Convolvulus arvensis and Phalaris minor.Weed density of broad leaf weeds were higher than grassy weeds at 60 DAS. The lowest weed density and total weed dry biomass accumulation at 60 DAS was recorded with PRE application of oxadiargyl 100 g/ha fb one hoeing at 40 DAS. And the maximum WCE (86.3%) was also recorded with the same treatment. Data indicated that the maximum seed yield (2908 kg/ha) was recorded with weed free treatment. Among herbicidal treatments PRE application of oxadiargyl 100 g/ha fb one hoeing at 40 DAS recorded the maximum seed yield (2820 kg/ha) which was significantly higher to other treatments. The lowest seed yield was recorded in weedy check (1.05 t/ha). The increment in seed yield due to PRE application of oxadiargyl 100 g/ha fb one hoeing at 40 DAS was  24.7 and 27.2 % higher over PRE application of imazethapyr fb one hoeing at 40 DAS and  PRE application of oxadiargyl 100 g/ha. The highest net returns (Rs. 98,158/ha) and B C ratio (2.63) were realized with PRE application of oxadiargyl 100 g/ha fb one hoeing at 40 DAS.

Residual effect of herbicide on succeeding fodder maize

During fodder maize cultivation, major weeds observed in the experimental field were Echinochloa colona, Commelina bengalensis, Trianthama portalacastrum, Digera arvensis, Parthanium hysterophorus and Cyperus rotundus. Application of imazethapyr, pendimethalin, oxyfluorfen, oxadiargyl and imazethapyr + imazamox (RM) to fenugreek and its residual phytotoxic effect on succeeding fodder maize was not observed at 10 and 15 days after herbicide application, and there was no carry over or residual phytotoxic effect on succeeding maize fodder. All the weed control treatments adopted in preceding fenugreek crop had no significant impact in respect to dry matter accumulation of maize crop plant at 30 DAS and final green fodder yield.

Weed management in vegetable pea

Management of complex weed flora in vegetable peas and residual effect on succeeding cucurbit crops

SKUAST, Jammu

The most dominant weed species found in experimental field during crop growth period were mainly Vicia sativa, Anagallis arvensis, Melilotus indica and Medicago denticulata amongst broad leaved weeds and Phalaris mionr and Cynodon dactylon amongst grassy weeds. The weed management treatments had significant effect on weed density and weed biomass at 50 DAS (Table 1.3.10.1). Among the herbicidal treatments lower grassy, broad-leaved, sedges, total weed density and weed biomass were recorded in pendimethalin+imazethapyr 1250 g/ha as pre-emergence followed by pendimethalin+imazethapyr 1000 g/ha as pre-emergencee.  Different weed management treatments had significant effect on growth, yield and yield attributes as compared weedy check. Among the weed management treatments, all the weed management treatments recorded significantly higher plant height, plant dry matter, number of nodules, number of pods and green pod yield as compared to weedy check. Among the herbicidal treatments, highest green pod yield was recorded with pendimethalin + imazethapyr 1250 g/ha as pre-emergencee followed by pendimethalin + imazethapyr 1000 g/ha. The highest net returns and B:C ratio was recorded in pendimethalin + imazethapyr 1000 g/ha. There was no residual phytotoxicity on succeeding cucurbit crops (Cucumber and Round Gourd).

Weed management in direct-seeded rice and wheat

Effect of irrigation methods and weed management on weed flora dynamics in direct- seeded rice and wheat

SKUAST, Jammu

During winter season, the main dominating weed flora were Phalaris minor and Avena spp. amongst grassy weeds; Rumex spp., Anagalis arvensis and Melilotus indica amongst broad-leaved weeds. Different irrigation treatments had no significant effect on weed density and weed biomass at 60 DAS and harvest. However, lower weed density and weed biomass were recorded in flooding irrigation as compared to sprinkler and sprinkler with VSD. Among the weed management treatments, all the weed management treatments recorded significantly lower weed density and weed biomass as compared to weed check. At 60 DAS, significantly lowest total weed density and biomass were recorded in sulfosulfuron + carfentrazone (25 + 20 g/ha) which was statistically at par with clodinafop-propargyl + metsulfuron (60 +4 g/ha) and significantly lower than other herbicidal treatments. Different irrigation treatments had non-significant effect on growth, yield attributes and grain and straw yield of wheat. However, higher growth, yield attributes, grain yield and straw yield of wheat were recorded in flooding irrigation as compared to sprinkler and sprinkler with VSD. All the weed management treatments recorded significantly higher growth parameters, yield attributes and grain and straw yield of wheat compared to weedy check. The higher grain yield and straw yield were recorded in clodinafop-propargyl+metsulfuron (60 +4 g/ha) which was statistically at par with sulfosulfuron+carfentrazone (25+20 g/ha) and clodinafop-propargyl +metribuzin (60+210 g/ha). The higher B: C ratio was recorded with flood irrigation as compared to sprinkle irrigation and sprinkler with VSD. However, highest water use efficiency was recorded with sprinkler with VSD as compared to sprinkler and flood irrigation. Amongst the weed management treatments highest B: C ration and water use efficiency were recorded with clodinafop-propargyl+metsulfuron (60 +4 g/ha) followed by sulfosulfuron+carfentrazone (25 + 20 g/ha) in wheat.

OUAT, Bhubaneswar

• At Bhubaneswar, application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha as pre-emergence at 3 DAP recorded the lowest number of Orobanche/plant, lowest total weed density at 60 and 90 DAP in brinjal.

CCSHAU, Hisar

• In tomato, 79-86% control of Egyptian broomrape was obtained with PoE treatments of sulfosulfuron and ethoxysulfuron when compared with non treated control. Residues of sulfosulfuron at 50g /ha at 60 and 90 DAP caused adverse effect on succeeding sorghum crop at Hisar.

GBPUAT, Pantnagar

• At Pantnagar, post-emergence application of glyphosate (1.0 kg /ha), metribuzin (0.25 kg/ha) and metsulfuron (0.004 kg/ha) completely controlled Cirsium arvense.

SKUAST, Jammu

• At Jammu, complete control of parasitic weed Dendrophthoe was achieved with cotton padding of 4 g copper sulphate + 0.5 g 2, 4-D sodium salt but it slightly phytotoxic on host fruit plants.

PJTSAU, Hyderabad

• At Hyderabad, in Mylardevpalli tank, most of the water hyacinth presented in the tank severe weevil infestation was observed at quarterly interval survey.

MPUAT, Udaipur

• At Udaipur, Neochetina bruchi weevilscould multiply up to the month of November and about 20-25% defoliation was observed on water hyacinth plants.

TNAU, Coimbatore

• At Coimbatore, Neochetinabeetles were released at Krishnampathy tank near Wetland farm of TNAU and Village water pond of village Boparia Kalan in district Ludhiana. Symptoms on water hyacinth plants were moderate (Rating-3) and feeding was medium. At Gwalior, around 85-90% (scale1) die back symptoms were observed on water hyacinth.

Study herbicide residues in the long-term conservation agriculture experiment

PAU, Ludhiana

• At Ludhiana, imazethapyr dissipation in soil followed biphasic first order kinetics and half-life varied from 59 to 6.68 days during initial and 93.7 to 118.6 days during final phase. In loamy sand soil, amended with β-cyclodextrin, chitosan and β-cyclodextrin-chitosan biocomposite (LCD), addition of amendment enhanced imazethypar dissipation.
• Residues of butachlor, pretilachlor, anilophos, clodinafop, sulfosulfuron, metsulfuron and pendimethalinin soil, water and crop samples collected from farmers’ field were found below detection limit while 0063 to 0.0075 and 0.0061 to 0.0071 µg/g residues of metribuzin were detected in soil and wheat crop, respectively at Ludhiana. Metribuzin application significantly affected soil dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphate activity while urease activity remained unaffected.

CSKHPKV, Palampur

• At Palampur, residuesof isoproturon and 2,4-D in soil and wheat grain and pendimethalin residues in soil and soybean under different tillage and residue management techniques were found to be below detectable limits (<0.05 µg/g) at the time of harvest.

PJTSAU, Hyderabad

• Residues of atrazine in the soil, maize grain and straw samples collected at the time of harvest were below the detectable limit of 0.05 ppm in aerobic and transplanted rice main treatmentsat Hyderabad.

TNAU, Coimbatore

• In CA under maize-sunflower cropping system, the persistence of atrazine and pendimethalin was not influenced by different tillage and weed management practices with and without residues. At harvest, residuesof both the herbicides were present below the detectable level of 0.01 mg/kg at Coimbatore.

CCSHAU, Hisar

• In on-farm trials use of new herbicide pyroxasulfone in wheat as pre-emergence whereas 127.5 g/ha provided 88.3% control of multiple herbicide resistant minor,whereas, integration of this herbicide with pendimethalin 1.5 kg/ha (PRE) and post-mergence herbicides at 35 DAS provided 92.1% control of P. minor with grain yield of 5.39 t/ha which was 6.54 % higher than earlier recommended herbicide pendimethalin 1.5 kg/ha at Hisar.
• At Hisar, 335 FLDs were conducted on use of glyphosate for the control of Orobanche in mustard in Bhiwa, Hisar and Mahender Garh districts.Post-emergence application of glyphosate 25 g/ha at 30 DAS followed by its use at 50 g/ha at 50-60 DAS provided 75-85% control of Orobanche with 51.9% increase in yield over untreated check

OUAT, Bhubaneswar

• At Bhubaneswar four OFR were conducted on green gram and ground nut during Rabi 2017-18 at  Gajamara village resulted in maximum yield of 1.02 t/ha in green gram and 1.8 t/ha in ground nut in the plot applied with pendimethalin 750 g/ha. A net saving of Rs 5000/ha in green gram and 6500/ ha in groundnut were obtained in the plots treated with herbicides.

PJTSAU, Hyderabad

• At Hyderabad, Neem cake 200 kg/ha fbglyphosate 50 g/ha was efficient in controlling Orabanche Mulching with polysheet delayed emergence and lowered the incidence of Oranbanche.

RVSKVV, Gwalior

• At Gwalior, the maximum yield of pearlmillet 2.39 t/ha was obtained with the application of atrazine 0.5 kg/ha + 2, 4-D 0.5 kg/ha (PoE) followed by pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha (PE), which was 49.3%, and 41.5% higher than farmers practice respectively. The highest B: C ratio was also recorded with post emergence application of atrazine 0.5 kg/ha + 2, 4-D 0.5 kg/ha (2.31).

IGKV, Raipur

• At Raipur, four demonstrations were conducted on weed management in line sown rice by chemical weed control with rice cultivar Danteshwari. The average yield of farmers practice and recommended practice was 31.5 and 43.8 q/ha, respectively. However, percent increase under recommended practice over farmers practice was 39.3%.

MPUAT, Udaipur

• At Udaipur, five demonstrations on weed management in wheat were conducted at village – Shyampura tehsil – Sarada in Rabi. Post emergence application of ready-mix herbicide sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (30 + 2 g/ha) at 35 DAS increased the wheat grain yield by 8.9 % over farmers practice (40.2 q/ha). During Kharif, application of atrazine fb tembotrion 500 g/ha as PE + 120 g/ha at 3-4 leaf stage (15 DAS) increased the maize grain yield by 15.9% over farmers practice maize yield (27 q/ha).

TNAU, Coimbatore

• At Coimbatore,FLD with improved weed management technology with PE pendimethalin 1000 g/ha + hand weeding on 30-35 DAT increased the tomato yields from 20.9 to 33.1 % over farmers practice (two hand weeding).