Studies on integrated weed management practices in maize-A review

Abstract

Worldwide yield losses in maize due to weeds are estimated to be around 37%. Weeds reduce crop yield by competing for light, water, nutrients and CO2, interfere with harvesting and increase the cost of cultivation. The predominant weed flora were Echinochloa crusgalli L. and Cynodon dactylon L. among monocots; Cyperus rotundus L. among sedges; and Amaranthus viridis L., Digera arvensis L., Portulaca oleracea L., Alternenthara sessili L. and Trianthema spp. among dicots in India. The infestation of these weeds is increasing day by day in the maize growing belt of the state especially where the farmers are using atrazine year after year. New herbicides with broad spectrum of weed control are highly essential for effective control of grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds. So, in order to widen the weed control spectrum, it is desirable to use tank mix combinations of two herbicides having different mode of action and integrated weed management practices for better weed control.