Phalaris minor Retz. infestation in wheat crop as influenced by different rice straw management practices usage in Punjab, India

Abstract

Phalaris minor Retz. is a competitive weed in wheat crop causing significant yield losses. In the rice-wheat cropping system, rice residue burning spoils the carbon cycle, pollutes the environment and deteriorates the soil health. An extensive survey was conducted during Rabi 2018-19 to analyse the P. minor infestation and wheat crop productivity under different rice straw management practices used by farmers in their fields and compared them with conventional straw burning practice. A total of 54% of respondents reported low infestation of P. minor in the fields sown with “Happy-Seeder” while 26% and 44% respondents observed low infestation of P. minor in fields where rice straw incorporation was done with harrow and mould board plough, respectively. The low infestation of P. minor in rice residue removed fields (no burning) was reported by 38% respondents. Overall, 8% respondents reported severe infestation of P. minor in rice straw managed fields while 30% respondents reported severe infestation of P. minor in wheat fields with conventional straw burning practice. Phalaris minor infestation was lower in fields with rice residue retention or incorporation. Therefore, rice residue management should be an important integrated weed management component especially for managing multiple-resistant P. minor.