Integration of cultural and chemical weed control methods for higher weed control efficiency and better performance of aerobic rice

Abstract

Manipulation of crop-weed interaction in favour of crop at the expense of weed through incorporation of different chemical and non-chemical weed control options not only provides a better weed control but also might have some environmental benefits. Keeping that in mind, some cultural methods were integrated with different manual weeding and herbicide combinations to evaluate their weed control efficacy in aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.). A more favourable cropping system for rice as the consequence of integrating weed competitive rice variety, higher seeding density and seed invigoration resulted in lower weed pressure, better weed control efficiency and higher yield performance. Most of the herbicides were found exceedingly effective in controlling weeds. The study reveals the combined merits of weed competitive rice variety, higher seeding rate and seed priming in conjunction with timely herbicide application and/or manual weeding during the critical period of weed control to manage weeds and ensure high rice yields under aerobic soil conditions.