Weed control in direct, dry-seeded rice in India: comparison of seedbed preparation and use of pendimethalin

Abstract

Under direct seeding in dry-bed conditions, weeds are a major constraint to rice productivity because rice and weeds geminate almost simultaneously. Grassy weeds are also more difficult to remove by hand because their morphology is similar to that of rice. Weeds have reportedly reduced yield of dry-seeded rice by 15-60% (Moody 1982). Direct-seeded rice covers 26% and 28% of the total rice area in South Asia and India, respectively (Pandey and Velasco 1999). Thus, appropriate weed control measures will be of immense importance to the farming community. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of weed management practices on the productivity and profitability of aerobic rice, particularly in places where labor is scantly and costly.