Effect of Pretilachlor 50% EC on Weed Control of Transplanted Rice under Alluvial Soil of West Bengal, India

Field experiments were conducted at Regional Research Station of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Gayeshpur, West Bengal during winter season of 2014 and 2015 to evaluate the bio-efficacy against weeds & phytotoxicity of pretilachlor 50% EC on transplanted rice. The experiment was tested under randomized complete block design with three replicates. Among the herbicides, highest weed control index was recorded in pretilachlor 50% EC @ 2 kg a.i. ha-1 which imparted phytotoxic symptoms in rice plants resulting in yield reduction. However, the highest grain yield (3.59 t ha-1) was obtained with the application of pretilachlor 50% EC @ 1.2 kg a.i. ha-1 which was statistically at par with twice hand weeding. From these findings it can be concluded that the application of pretilachlor 50% EC @ 1.2 kg a.i. ha-1 can be recommended for effective weed management in transplanted rice in the study area.

Weed Management Practices on Growth, Yield and Economics of Kharif Grain Sorghum

In the Kharif grain sorghum growing areas of Karnataka, the sorghum production suffers greatly due to weed problem, which offers limitations to crop. It was found that weed infestation become unmanageable throughout the growing period by the traditional methods of interculturing and manual weeding due to continuous and heavy rains during entire vegetative and early reproductive stages of Kharif sorghum. Hence, integration of herbicides with some cultural operations and use of pre-emergence, post-emergence herbicides in combination with mechanical methods can prove to be more successful. A field experiment entitled “Weed management in kharif grain sorghum” was conducted during Kharif 2019 at ARS, Hagari in deep black soil with neutral reaction (pH 7.50), organic carbon (5.5 g kg-1), available nitrogen (248.00 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (36.75 kg ha-1) and available potassium (312.00 kg ha-1). An experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. There were fourteen treatments comprising of weed management practices. The dominant weeds observed in the experimental fields were among grasses Brachiaria reptans, while in broad leaved weeds, Amaranthus viridis and among sedges, Cyperus rotundus. Significantly lower population of grasses, sedges, and broad leaved weeds, weed dry weight, weed index (%) and higher weed control efficiency throughout the crop growth period was noticed in sequential pre-emergence application of atrazine 50 WP @ 0.50 kg a.i. ha-1 as PE fb 2,4-D Na Salt 80 WP @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1 as PoE at 25 DAS except weed free treatment. Atrazine 50 WP @ 0.50 kg a.i. ha-1 as PE fb 2,4-D Na Salt 80 WP @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1 as PoE at 25 DAS recorded significantly higher plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area, test weight, grain yield, straw yield, harvest index, gross return, net return and benefit cost ratio (160.8 cm, 183.4 gplant-1, 24.1 dm2 plant-1, 30.53 g, 4195 kg ha-1, 9891 kg ha-1, 29.80 %, Rs. 1,03,675ha-1, Rs. 71,636 ha-1and 3.24, respectively) except weed free and it was on par with atrazine 50 WP @ 0.50 kg a.i. ha-1 as PE fb IC at 25 DAS and HW at 25 DAS and IC at 40 DAS.

Response of Crop Establishment Methods and Weed Management Practices on Weed Flora, Crop Growth and Yield of Wheat in Maize-Wheat-Greengram Cropping System

Sustainable agriculture mostly relies on conservation tillage, crop residue retention and crop diversification. Weeds are major production hurdles in adoption of conservation agriculture (CA), therefore, weed management is important for sustainable crop yield. Designing efficient integrated weed management (IWM) practices under zero-tillage with crop residue (ZT+R) is helpful in getting optimum yield. A field experiment was carried out at research farm of ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur (M.P.), India with eight treatment combinations, two crop establishment methods (conventional tillage and conservation tillage) in main plots and four weed management practices (weedy check, recommended herbicide, IWM, and herbicide rotation) in sub-plots were evaluated using a split plot design with three replications. The results indicated that the wheat sown under ZT+R led to significantly less weed density (105.9 no. m-2 in 2020-21 and 122.8 no. m-2 in 2022-23) and biomass (149.7 and 174.2 g m-2, respectively) hence, registered the highest weed control efficiency (WCE, 72.3% and 71.2%, respectively). Higher WCE helped in producing better wheat growth indices like plant height (106.3 and 101.1 cm, respectively), biomass (12.0 and 9.0 g plant-1, respectively) and no. of tillers (488.0 and 391.3 no. m-2, respectively) ultimately grain yield (4164 and 3814 kg ha-1, respectively) and straw yield (7265 and 6834 kg ha-1, respectively) compared with conventional tillage during both the years. Among the weed management practices, ready-mix application of clodinafop + metsulfuron at 60+4 g ha-1 (30-35 days after sowing, DAS) followed by (fb) hand weeding at 45 DAS increased growth indices like plant height (110.2 and 105.0 cm, respectively), plant biomass (14.9 and 12.1 g plant-1, respectively) and no. of tillers (547.2 and 436.7 no. m-2, respectively) ultimately grain yield (4708 and 4299 kg ha-1, respectively) and straw yield (7836 and 7610 kg ha-1, respectively), and WCE (97.4% and 96.8% respectively) with significantly less weed density (25.7 and 35.0 no. m-2, respectively) and biomass (13.6 and 19.9 g m-2, respectively) at 90 days after sowing. IWM also completely reduces the weed density and biomass over the other weed management practices during both the years. Therefore, wheat sown under ZT+R coupled with IWM was superior in terms of weed control, crop growth and yields.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient and Weed Management of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

An experiment on “Effect of integrated nutrient and weed management of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)” was carried out during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 in Rabi season at the college research farm of T. D. Post Graduate College, Jaunpur, UP. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with five weed management treatments and four nutrient management treatments with three replications. Herbicides viz., pre-emergence (Pendimethalin) and post emergence (Quizalofop-ethyl & Imazethapyr) and two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS under weed management with an objective to study the effect of pre and post-emergence herbicides under integrated nutrient management on weed flora and their growth in French bean. This investigation recorded minimum weed density, weed dry weight and significantly higher results received that plant growth in terms of plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1, dry matter production plant-1, LAI, grain and straw yield and biological yield under two hand weeding (20 & 40 DAS) plots. Among the herbicide’s application, Imazethapyr @ 50 g a.i. ha-1 at 20 DAS was significantly superior to all the other herbicide application treatments and nutrient application was recorded with 100% RDF which was significantly superior to all the other nutrient management treatments during both the years of experimentation.

Bio-Efficacy of Post Emergent Herbicides on Weeds in Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted to study the bio-efficacy of post emergent herbicides on weeds in direct seeded rice in medium black clay soil at Agricultural Research Station, Dhadesugur, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka during Kharif 2022. The experiment was laid out in Randomized complete block design with three replications. There were eight treatments consisting of five post emergent herbicides sprayed at 25 DAS, hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS, weed free check and weedy check in direct seeded rice and the variety RNR 15048 was used in this trial. Application of cyhalofop butyl 5.1 % + penoxsulam 1.02 % OD @ 2000 ml ha-1 recorded significantly lower weed density, weed dry weight, weed index and higher weed control efficiency compared to all the other treatments. It also produced higher number of productive tillers (409.4 m-2), panicle weight (3.89 g), filled grains per panicle (243.1), lower number of unfilled grains per panicle (8.4), higher grain yield (6058 kg ha-1) and straw yield (6935 kg ha-1) in direct seeded rice. So it can be concluded that application of cyhalofop butyl 5.1 % + penoxsulam 1.02 % OD @ 2000 ml ha-1 at 25 DAS (weeds at 2-3 leaf stage) was most effective in managing the weeds with higher weed control efficiency. It also resulted in higher growth and yield components of direct seeded rice leading to higher grain yield.

Evaluation of Pre and Post Emergence Herbicides for Weed Control on Growth and Yield in Chickpea

Chickpea, scientifically known as Cicer arietinum L., is a significant grain legume that is cultivated in 44 countries across five continents. India holds the position of the world's largest producer of chickpeas, contributing to approximately 75% of global production. The primary states in India where chickpeas are extensively grown include Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. The aim of the experiment was to assess how various herbicides impact weed control in chickpea cultivation.An agronomic investigation on “Evaluation of pre and post emergence herbicides in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)” under late sowing conditions was conducted during Rabi 2019-20 at Doon PG College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Selaqui, Dehradun. To study the effect and performance of different weed control treatments. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with eight treatments. The treatments were Pendimethalin@1.0 kg ha-1, Metribuzin @1.0 kg ha-1, Quizalofop-p-ethyl @ 40 a.i. g ha-1, Clodinafop @ 0.060 kg ha-1, Pinoxadan @0.005 kg ha-1, Hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS, Weedy check and Weed Free. They were replicated three times. Observations on growth and weed parameters were recorded periodically at an interval of 30 days. Among the treatments, weed-free recorded the highest grain and straw. It was on par with Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg ha-1 significantly superior over the rest of the treatments. Among the chemical weed control treatment application of Pendimethalin @1.0 kg ha-1 was found beneficial to higher grain yield, and straw yield and effective in controlling weeds and increasing the yield of chickpea.

Crop Health Monitoring through Remote Sensing: A Review

Agriculture is basis of livelihood for a major portion of world population. It provides food to humans. With the increasing population and climate change there is need to enhance production to fulfil the demand of growing population. Remote sensing technology has potential to predict nutrient requirement by providing various information related to plant and soil in quantitative terms thereby increasing productivity. It plays important role in monitoring crop health, crop growth and development, nutrient management, pest and disease management, water management and weed management. Evaluation of crop canopy provide various information regarding agronomic parameters. The data obtained from remote sensing provides a better alternative for natural management than traditional methods and this kind of management enhances efficiency of various resources by avoiding their overuse. By using this technology, we can improve traditional methods of agriculture and bring out changes in the field of agriculture. This paper reviews remote sensing technology for crop health monitoring, highlighting its importance with new ideas for agriculture.

Productivity of Sesame on Growth and Yield as Influence by Plant Spacing and Weed Management Practices

Field experiment was conducted during zaid-2022 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India, to investigate on the productivity of sesame on growth and yield as influence by plant spacing and weed management practices. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.35%). The treatments consist of three levels of spacing 20 x 10cm, 30 x 10 cm, and 40 x 10 cm and three types of weed managements (Two hand weeding at 21 and 42DAS, Pendimethalin 0.7 5kg/ha at 1 DAS + one hand weeding at 21 DAS, and + Quizalofop ethyl 0.05 kg/ha on 25 DAS + one hand weeding at 42 DAS).The experiment was laidout in randomized complete block design with nine treatments each replicated three times. The results obtained indicated that the higher plant height (129.99 cm), higher number of branches (3.77), higher plant dry weight (15.63 g/plant), higher crop growth rate (12.13 g/m2/day) higher number of capsules/plant (31.91), higher number of seeds/ capsules (47.48), higher test weight (3.48 gm), higher seed yield (1177.07 kg/ha) and higher stalk yield (1610.41 kg/ha) were significantly influenced at a plant spacing of 40 x 10 cm along with the application of Quizalofop ethyl @0.05 kg/ha on 25 DAS + one hand weeding at 42 DAS. However higher gross return (92,164.84 INR/ha), higher net return (65,840.84 INR/ha) and higher B:Cratio (2.50) were also recorded in treatment-9 at a spacing of 40 x 10 cm along with the application of Quizalofop ethyl @0.05 kg/ha on 25 DAS + one hand weeding at 42 DAS.

Effect of Tillage and Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield Attributes of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2017-18 at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya 224229 (U.P.) to study the effect of various tillage and weed management practices on growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of wheat crop. The combination of treatments were five tillage system in main plot viz., TPR-CT, W-CT (T1), TPR-CT+W-ZT+S-ZT (T2), DSR-CT+W-CT+S-ZT (T3), DSR-ZT+W-ZTR+S-ZT (T4) and DSR-ZTR+W-ZTR+S-ZT (T5) and three-level of weed management practices in sub plot viz., Clodinafop + metsulfuron @ 60 + 4g/ha at 30 DAS (W1), Clodinafop + metsulfuron @ 60 + 4g/ha at 30 DAS fb 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS (W2) and 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS (W3) in wheat were tested with 3 replication in split-plot design. The soil was silt loam in texture and medium in fertility status. Among various tillage and weed management practices DSR-ZT+R, W-ZT+R, S-ZT (T5) and Clodinafop + metsulfuron 60 + 4g/ha at 30 DAS fb 1 hand weeding at 45 DAS (W2) resulted in lowest in total weed density and total weed dry weight (g/m2) and highest values of growth parameters, yield attributes and yield in comparison to other tillage practices and weed management practices.

Effect of Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Zero-Till Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A field experiment to compare weed management practices on growth and yield of zero till chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) during rabi, 2022 at RARS, Jagtial, Telangana. Treatments include Pendimethalin 38.7 % CS @ 700 g a.i. ha-1 , Topramezone 33.6 % SC @ 20.6 g a.i. ha-1 , Quizalofop ethyl 7.5 % + Imazethapyr 15 % EC @ 100 g a.i. ha-1, T4- Propaquizafop 2.5 % + Imazethapyr 3.75 % (w/w) ME @ 125 g a.i. ha-1 , two hand weedings at 15 and 30 DAS , weed free (Season long) and Un-weeded (Check). Weed free treatment and hand weeded plots showed highest growth and yield attributing characters because of season-long weed-free conditions and better microclimate during critical period of crop respectively. Among different herbicides, Topramezone treated plot recorded higher growth parameters viz.; plant height (38.7 cm), dry matter accumulation (320.8 g m-2) and yield attributing characters viz.; total number of pods plant-1 (30.97), with seed yield (1397 kg ha-1), haulm yield (2518 kg ha-1) and harvest index (35.7 %). Post emergence herbicide topramezone can be effectively adopted for getting higher yield of chickpea in rice fallow zero tillage conditions.

Correlation and Regression of Weed, ‎Growth and Yield Attributes of Transplanted Pearl Millet (Pennisetum ‎glaucum (L.) R. Br. Emend. Stunz)‎ as Affected by Weed Management Practices

To evaluate the “Correlation and regression of weed, ‎growth and yield attributes of transplanted Pearl millet (Pennisetum ‎glaucum (L.) R. Br. Emend. Stunz)‎ as affected by weed management practices‎”. And the design of the trial was Randomized Complete Block Design (RBD).The field trial was conducted during the Rabi season 2022 at Experimental farm, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The experiment consisted of eight different treatments for weed management practices was replicated thrice. The soil type used was silty clay loam. The Pearl millet TNAU cumbu hybrid (CO9) was sown in the nursery and transplanted at 18 DAS and transplanted with a spacing of 45 x 15 cm. The following treatments were applied: T1 - PE of Atrazine 0.5 kg ha-1, T2 - PE of Oxyflurofen 0.250 kg ha-1, T3 - PE of Pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1, T4 - T1+ Hand Weeding on 30 DAT, T5 - T2+ Hand Weeding on 30 DAT, T6 - T3+ Hand Weeding on 30 DAT, T7 - Hand Weeding on 20 and 40 DAT and T8 - Unweeded check. Correlation analysis in weed management research assists researchers in assessing the strength and direction of relationships between variables. By understanding these relationships, researchers can gain insights into the factors influencing weed growth and develop focused management strategies. Moreover, correlation and regression studies provide valuable information for decision-making in weed management. The analysis showed positive correlation between grain yield and growth parameters viz., plant height at harvest (r = 0.965), LAI at 45 DAT (r = 0.852), DMP at 45 DAT (r = 0.971) and DMP at harvest (r = 0.973). Grain yield showed positive correlation with yield attributes, WCE and nutrient content viz., Productive tillers (r = 0.987), test weight (r =0.994), stover yield (r = 0.981), Weed Control Efficiency (r = 0.931), nitrogen uptake (r = 0.980), phosphorous uptake (r = 0.979) and potassium uptake (r = 0.962).This information can guide farmers, agronomists, and policymakers in making informed choices regarding management practices, resource allocation, and minimizing the economic and environmental impacts of weeds.

Evaluation of Mulching Effects on Weed Control in Blackgram Production under Irrigated Condition

A field experiment with the objectives to understand the evaluation of mulching effects on weed control in blackgram production under irrigated condition involving two factors viz., mulching (paddy straw mulching, sugarcane trash mulching, no mulching) and herbicidal treatments (pendimethalin pre-emergence (PE) @ 1.0 Kg/ha, pendimathalin + Imazethapyr (pre-mix) pre-emergence Valor 32% EC 1.0 Kg/ha, Hand weeding on 15 and 30 days after sowing, weedy check) was undertaken in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) design with three replications at the instructional farm of Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore region of western Tamil Nadu during the cropping seasons of Rabi 2022-23. Results revealed that paddy straw mulching sequential application of Pendimathalin + Imazethapyr (pre-mix) pre-emergence Valor 32% EC and sugarcane trash mulching sequential application of pendimathalin + imazethapyr (pre-mix) pre-emergence Valor 32% EC recorded lower weed density, weed dry weight and maximum crop yield as well as net returns over rest of the mulching and herbicidal treatments.

Evaluation of Mulching Methods and Legume Intercropping on Weed Control Efficiency and Agronomic Traits of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum)

Aim: To evaluate the weed control efficiencies of different mulching practices and legume intercropping in transplanted pearl millet.Study Design: Randomized Complete Block Design (RBD).Place and Duration of Study: The field trial was conducted during the Rabi season of 2022 at the school of agricultural sciences in Karunya Institute of technology and sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.Methodology: The field trial consists of 8 treatments viz., T1 - PE of Atrazine 0.5kg/ ha +1 Hand Weeding at 30 DAT, T2 - Two Hand Weeding at 15 and 30 DAT, T3 - Paddy straw mulching at 5t/ ha 3 DAT, T4 - Black polythene mulching at 3 DAT, T5 - Black silver polythene mulching at 3 DAT, T6 - Intercropping of pulses (cowpea) (1:1), T7 - Intercropping of pulses (cowpea) (1:1) + PE Pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ ha, T8 - Un weeded check.Results: Results of the experiment proves that the intercropping of cowpea in pearl millet along with the pre-emergence application of pendimethalin proves to be beneficial and advantageous in terms of returns per rupee invested for profitable crop production, rather than going for polythene mulches. Hence adoption of legume intercropping in pearl millet, along with the usage of mild herbicides like pendimethalin, will be an economically viable and environmentally sustainable weed management practice for improving the yield of pearl millet.

Efficacy of Herbicides on Weed Control & Growth Parameter on Wheat

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a globally significant crop and a staple food for millions of people. Weed infestation is one of the major constraints affecting wheat productivity worldwide. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficiency of Carfentrazone ethyl 5% + Clodinafop propargyl 15% DF as a post-emergence herbicide against predominant weeds in wheat crops. Wheat is a globally significant crop and a staple food for millions of people. Weed infestation is a major constraint affecting wheat productivity. The study was conducted using a Randomized Block Design with three replications and a total of 11 treatments. The herbicide treatments were applied using foliar spray at different doses. Weed control efficiency was evaluated at 30, 45, and 60 days after herbicide application.The results showed that the highest weed control efficiency was observed in the weed-free plot, followed by the treatment with Carfentrazone ethyl 5% + Clodinafop propargyl 15% DF at a dose of 800 g/ha. This treatment provided significant control against different weed species such as Phalaris minor, Avena ludoviciana, and Chenopodium album. The herbicide treatments showed varying degrees of control efficiency, with some treatments performing better than others.These findings highlight the importance of weed management for increasing wheat crop production. The judicious use of herbicides, such as Carfentrazone ethyl 5% + Clodinafop propargyl 15% DF, can effectively control weeds and contribute to higher yields. However, further research and field trials are necessary to optimize the herbicide application and determine its long-term effects on wheat crops. Overall, this study emphasizes the need for effective weed control strategies to enhance wheat productivity and meet the demands of a growing population.

Effect of Integrated Weed Management Practices on Growth, Physiology and Yield of Direct Sown Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

To determine “Effect of integrated weed management practices in direct sown finger millet”. The field experiment was conducted during rabi 2022 at South Farm, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore. The soil of the experimental field was sandy clay loam in texture, pH 6.9, level of organic content (0.37%), available N (336 kg ha-1), P (91 kg ha-1) and K (261 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design. T1 (PE pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg ha-1 8 DAS + Hand weeding (HW) @ 35 DAS), T2 (PoE 2,4-D @ 2 kg ha-1 40 DAS + Hand weeding (HW) @ 35 DAS), T3 (PE pretilachlor @ 0.75 kg ha-1 8 DAS + Hand weeding (HW) @ 35 DAS), T4 (PoE 2,4-D @ 2 kg ha-1 40 DAS + Twin wheel hoe weeding (TWHW) @ 30 DAS), T5 (PE pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg ha-1 8 DAS + Twin wheel hoe weeding @ 30 DAS), T6 (PE pretilachlor @ 0.75 kg ha-1 8 DAS + Twin wheel hoe weeding (TWHW) @ 30 DAS), T7 (Hand weeding (HW) @ 25 and 40 DAS), T8 (Twin wheel hoe weeding (TWHW) @ 25 and 40 DAS), T9 (Hand weeding (HW) @ 25 DAS + Twin wheel hoe weeding (TWHW) @ 40 DAS), T10 (Unweeded control). The result shows that the weed control practices significantly decreases weeds also higher control of weed infestation was observed in PE pretilachlor @ 0.75kg ha-1 8 DAS + Twin wheel hoe weeding @ 30 DAS. The maximum dry matter production, CGR, RGR, NPK uptake and grain yield (2368 kg ha-1) were also found higher in PE pretilachlor @ 0.75kg ha-1 8 DAS + Twin wheel hoe weeding @ 30 DAS. From this study it is concluded that application of pre emergence herbicide pretilachlor along with twin wheel hoe weeder increases the crop growth and yield.

Evaluation of Growth Rates of Bt. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Hybrid NHH-44 as Influenced by High Density Planting and Weed Management Practices under Rainfed Conditions in Marathwada Region of Maharashtra, India

A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm, AICRP on Integrated Farming Systems, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani (M.S.) during kharif seasons of 2020-21 on to study the “Impact of high density planting and weed management practice on growth and yield of Bt. cotton. (Gossypium hirsutum L.)” Treatment consist of Twelve treatment combinations comprising Three planting densities in main plot that is (S1-120 cm x 45 cm (18518 plants ha-1), S2- 80 cm x 60 cm (20833 plants ha-1) and S3- 90 cm x 45 cm (24691plants ha-1) and four weed management practices that is W1 - Stale seedbed technique + PoE Pyrithiobac Sodium 10% EC @ 62.5 g ha-1 + Quizolfop-ethyl 5% EC @ 50 g ha-1 + Straw mulching, W2 - Stale seed bed technique +PoE Glufosinate ammonium 13.5% SL @ 0.7 kg ha-1 + Hand weeding, W3 - Weed Free and W4 - Weedy Check.The mean maximum AGR for plant height were recorded under high density planting 90 cm x 45 cm. Among different growth intervals 61-90 DAS recorded maximum AGR for plant height (1.664 cm day-1 plant-1), while mean maximum AGR for dry matter (2.358 g day-1 plant-1) were recorded between 91-120 DAS under high density planting 120 cm x 45 cm. Among weed management practices, weed free treatment recorded mean maximum AGR for plant height (1.645 cm day-1 plant-1) 61-90 DAS interval, while mean maximum AGR for dry matter (2.441 g day-1 plant-1) were recorded between 91-120 DAS. The mean CGR, RGR and LAI were also maximum under weed free treatment.

Evaluate the Correlation and Regression Studies of Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Transplanted Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) under Different Weed Management

Aim: To evaluate the “Correlation and Regression Studies of Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of finger millet under different weed management.” Study Design: Randomized Complete Block Design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: The field trial was conducted during the Rabi season of 2021-22 at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The experimental field had a silky clay loam soil composition. Methodology: The field trial comprised of eight treatments and was replicated three times. In the experimental farm, the variety Paiyur 2 was grown into nursery and transplanted at 25th day with the spacing of 30 × 15 cm and followed the all other agronomic practices. To experimented the following treatments viz., T1- PE of pretilachlor at 1.0 kg ha-1,T2- PE of pretilachlor at 0.75 kg ha-1+ one hand weeding on 35th DAT, T3- PE of pendimethalin at 0.5 kg ha-1,T4- PE of pendimethalin at 0.5 kg ha-1+ one hand weeding on 35th DATP, T5- PE of Butachlor at 1.0 kg ha-1,T6- PE of Butachlor at 0.75 kg ha-1+ one hand weeding on 35th DAT, T7- POE of 2,4-D at 2 kg ha-1on 35 th DAT, T8- POE of 2,4-D at 2 kg ha-1+ one hand weeding on 35th DAT, T9- Two hand weeding at 35 DAT and 70 DAT, T10- Unweeded check. The biometric observations were recorded at three specific time points: 35 DAT, 70 DAT, and at harvest stage. Results: The grain yield was highly significant positive correlation with Straw yield (r = 0.893), Leaf area index (r =0.975), Dry matter accumulation at 70 DAT (r=0.966), Dry matter accumulation at harvest (r =0.966), Productive tillers (r =0.902), Test weight (r =0.903), Weed control efficiency (r =0.797), Nitrogen uptake (r =0.980), Phosphorus uptake (r =0.972), Potassium uptake (r =0.960). However, significant positive correlation with Plant height (r =0.733). From the regression every unit increase in stover yield, plant height, LAI at 70 DAT, crop dry matter at 70 DAT, crop dry matter at harvest, number of productive tillers plant-1, test weight, Weed Control Efficiency and N, P and K uptake by crop substantially increased the grain yield by 0.798, 0.537, 0.951, 0.932, 0.992, 0.812, 0.865, 0.635, 0.960, 0.944 and 0.920 kg ha-1 respectively.

Assessment of Different Weed Management Practices in Mustard for Enhancement of Productivity

A field experiment was conducted at Krishi Vigyan kendra, Sawaimadhopur, Rajasthan, India in two consecutive years during 2018-19 and 2019-20 on Zone III –B of Rajasthan, India. In this experiment was performed in randomized block design which includes four treatments of weed control i.e. weedy check (T1), Hand weeding at 25 DAS (T2), Hand weeding at 25 & 45 DAS (T3), Pre emergence application of Pendimethaline @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 (T4) and replicated five times. Results revealed that Weed Density (no m-2) 60 days after sowing, Dry weight (kg ha-1) 60 days after sowing, weed control efficiency (%) and weed index found lowest in two hand weeding at 25 and 45 days after sowing fb Pre emergence application of Pendimethaline @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 (T4) during both the years during 2018-19 and 2019-20, respectively. Highest seed yield (2341 kg ha-1) and (2431 kg ha-1) was found under two hand weeding (25 & 45 days after sowing) during 2018-19 and 2019-20 respectively.

Effect of herbicide based formulations on structure and function of testis in rats

For instant weed management, widely used herbicide formulations (HFs) are Paraquat based formulation (PBF) or Glyphosate based formulation (GBF). Here, we investigated the effect of PBF Gramoxone® and GBF Roundup® on the structure and function of the testis of the male Wistar rats at the pubertal or post pubertal stage. Male rats were gavaged with Gramoxone® (5 mg/kg body wt.) or Roundup® (250 mg/kg body wt.). The treatment period of 25 days starts on a postnatal day (PND) 28 to 53 (from pre-pubertal to the pubertal stage) or 60 days from PND 28 to 88 (from prepubertal to the post pubertal stage). Age-matched control animals received distilled water. The structure of the testes was evaluated by observing changes in its histology and the function of the testes was assessed by estimating serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels. No significant effect was observed in the structure and function of the testes of the pubertal stage rats on exposure to both herbicide formulations. However, shrunken and distorted seminiferous tubules with oligozoospermia in testes, a non-significant decrease in FSH and LH, and a significant reduction in testosterone levels were noted in the post pubertal stage rats. The results indicated that changes in the testes of post pubertal groups are due to a longer duration of exposure to the Gramoxone® or Roundup® than in pubertal groups, and also the effect of these two formulations was more on the testis structure and function than on the pituitary-testis axis

Can a successional crop system associated with preemergent herbicides be a tool to control weeds?

The objective of this research was to evaluate weed control in a successional soybean-sorghum system by using preemergent herbicides. Two trials were conducted in soybean and two in sorghum, in different soil types (sandy in Rio Verde city and clayey in Montividiu city). All trials were established in a completely randomized block design with five preemergent herbicides in soybean (rates in): diclosulam 35.3 g a.i.·ha­1, chlorimuron 20 g a.i.·ha­1, sulfentrazone 200 g a.i.·ha­1, flumioxazin 50 g a.i.·ha­1, S-metolachlor 1728 g a.i.·ha­1, and two controls (hand weeded and untreated). Treatments in sorghum trials were the same to the soybean plus atrazine 1250 g a.i.·ha­1 and atrazine 1250 g a.i.·ha­1 + S-metolachlor 1728 g a.i.·ha­1. All treatments had four replicates. Weed control was assessed at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after planting (DAP) in both crops. In addition, yield was measured when grains reached physiological maturity. All preemergent herbicide treatments successfully controlled weeds, specially Commelina benghalensis, Cenchrus echinatus and Eleusine indica, in both soybean trials until 28 DAP. In some weeds of sorghum, sulfentrazone, diclosulam and chlorimuron sprayed at soybean preemergence performed better than atrazine sprayed at sorghum preemergence. All preemergent herbicides sprayed at soybean preemergence did not affect soybean and sorghum yield, showing similarity with the hand weeded treatment. The results of this research provide evidence that the mix of crop succession and preemergent herbicide applications can be a strong strategy for integrated weed management.