Biology and large scale demonstration for management of Orobanche aegyptiaca in mustard

Abstract

Field experiments to study the efficacy of neem cake, soil drenching of metalaxyl, post-emergence application of glyphosate at very low concentrations alone and in combination with 1% solution of ammonium sulphate and 125% of recommended fertility, were conducted at village Ganghala (Bhiwani) during Rabi seasons of 2014–15 and village Bidhwan (Bhiwani) during 2015–16. Feasibility of adoption of results of studies conducted earlier on use of glyphosate 25 g/ha at 30 DAS and 50 g/ha at 55 DAS is being demonstrated by multi location field trials through farmers participatory approach in different parts of state during 2010–2016. Neem cake 400 kg/ha fb pendimethalin (PPI) at 0.75 kg/ha fb HW at 60 DAS did not prove effective in minimizing density of Orobanche. Post-emergence application of glyphosate at 25 and 50 g/ha at 25 and 55 DAS, respectively showed promising results with 7595% control of this weed in experimental field and 76.5% on large scale demonstrations at farmers’ fields. Biotype from Ganghala (Bhiwani) was found to be most robust biotype with 5840 seeds per capsule.