Influence of spacing and weed management on rice (Oryza sativa) varieties under system of rice intensification

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in a sandy clay loam soil during kharif 2005 and 2006 at New Delhi to evaluate the performance of aromatic rice ( Oryza sativa L.) varieties under varying weed management options and plant- ing geometry in system of rice intensification (SRI). Rice Pusa Sugandh 5 proved better as compared to the other two varieties, i.e. Pusa Basmati 1 and Pusa Sugandh 3, especially in terms of growth, yield attributes and grain yield. On an average, Pusa Sugandh 5 produced 18.9% and 22.5% more grain yield over Pusa Basmati 1 and Pusa Sugandh 3, respectively. Pusa Sugandh 5 also gave the highest economic returns. Spacing 25 25 cm resulted in higher grain and straw yields and better economic returns than 30 30 cm. Averaged over two years, the increase in grain yield with 25 25 cm over 30 30 cm was to the tune of 19.5%. Maintaining fields weed free gave higher plant growth, yield attributes, grain yield and economics as compared to either anilophos @ 0.4 kg/ha or the weedy check. Anilophos @ 0.4 kg/ha was far advantageous than the weedy check.