Integrated weed management-A strategy for sustainable wheat production - A review

Abstract

Wheat is one of the important cereals contributing approximately 30–35% to total food grain basket of the country. Wheat infested by multifarious weed flora comprising both grassy as well as broad leaf weeds causing yield reduction of 15–40% depending upon type and intensity of their infestation. Herbicides continue to be the most powerful, economically effective and reliable way to control weeds in wheat. Over the years, the efficacy of herbicides has started declining and there is possibility of development of cross resistance. An integrated approach, where herbicide plays a pivotal role isthe only way ahead for effective weed management. Use of weed free seed, use of well rotten farm yard manure, method of sowing, seed rate, sowing time, varietal selection, amount of fertilizer application, proper herbicide selection, proper dose, time and method of herbicide application, herbicide rotation and mixture, use of adjuvant, mechanical weeding and crop rotation are the major constituents of integrated weed management. Thus, integrated weed management practices should belocation and time specificby considering the weeds in a broader ecological and management context.