Efficiency of Halosulfuron Methyl (NC-319 75%WDG) on Weed Control in Sugrcane

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to evaluate the efficiency of halosulfuron methyl for the control of weeds in sugarcane. The treatments consisted of new herbicide formulation halosulfuron methyl (NC-319 75% WDG) in different doses (52.5, 60.0, 67.5, 75.0 and 150 g a.i. ha−1) at 3–4 leaf stages of Cyperus rotundus compared with recommended dose of PE atrazine 1.0 kg a.i. ha−1 on 3 DAP + hand weeding and earthing up on 60 DAP, hand weeding on 30 DAP and earthing up on 60 DAP respectively and also with unweeded control. The results revealed that the sedge weed density was distinctly lower in application of halosulfuron methyl at all doses. But grass and broad leaved weed density was perceptibly lower in PE atrazine 1.0 kg a.i. ha−1 + hand weeding and earthing up on 60 DAP followed by hand weeding on 30 DAP and earthing up on 60 DAP and halosulfuron methyl 60.0 g a.i. ha−1. The lowest total weed dry weight, higher weed control efficiency and cane yield were recorded in PE atrazine 1.0 kg a.i. ha−1 + hand weeding and earthing up on 60 DAP followed by hand weeding on 30 DAP and earthing up on 60 DAP and halosulfuron methyl 60.0 g a.i. ha−1. The herbicide doses evaluated in this study did not exhibit residual effect on succeeding crops of pearlmillet, sunflower and cowpea.