Efficacy of Pre and Post Emergence Application of Imazethapyr and its Ready Mix Herbicides on Growth, Weed Dynamics and Productivity of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

Background: Weeds are major constraints in chickpea production. This crop is highly susceptible to weed competition owing to slow initial growth thus weeds cause up to 75% yield loss. Methods: Treatments comprised of imazethapyr 50 g/ha as PE (pre emergence), imazethapyr 70 g/ha as PE, imazethapyr 50 g/ha as PoE (post emergence), imazethapyr 70g/ha as PoE, imazethapyr + imazamox ready mix (RM) 50 g/ha as PE, imazethapyr + imazamox (RM) 70 g/ha as PE, imazethapyr + imazamox (RM) 50 g/ha as PoE, imazethapyr + imazamox (RM)70 g/ha as PoE, pendimethalin 1 kg/ha PE, imazethapyr + pendimethalin (RM) 1 kg/ha PE, hoeing at 20 and 40 DAS and weedy check. Result: Application of imazethapyr + pendimethalin (RM) 1 kg/ha as pre emergence recorded maximum plant dry matter accumulation at 60, 90, 120 DAS and at maturity stage and also higher CGR at 60-90, 90-120 and120 DAS - maturity of crop. Application of imazethapyr + pendimethalin (RM) 1 kg/ha as pre emergence was most effective in producing higher seed yield (1749 kg/ha), weed control efficiency (87.28%), net return (` 77,136), reduced weed management index 5.15 and 3.90 at 30 and 60 DAS respectively.