Weed flora dynamics and growth response of green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) under varied agri-horti system and weed management practices

Abstract

Horizontal expansion of pulse production can be achieved by introduction of short duration pulse crop like, green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) under agri-horti system. Response of green gram under different agri-horti system and weed management practices is lacking. Therefore, an agronomic trial was conducted during monsoon season of 2011 at Agricultural Research Farm, Rajeev Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, in split plot design, consisting of three agri-horti systems [guava, custard apple and open field] in main plots and six weed management practices [pendimethalin 1000 g/ha (PE), imazethapyr 125 and 200 g/ha (PoE), 1-HW (20 DAS), 2-HW (15 and 30 DAS) and weedy check] were assigned to sub plots and replicated thrice. Green gram variety ‘Samrat’ was sown as per standard agronomic package of practices on August 5, 2011 in open field as well as within the alleys of, 5-year old, guava and custard apple agri-horti system. Agri-horti systems, did not significantly (P<0.05) affect the growth, yield attributes, yield and nutrient content in green gram. The weed management practices significantly affected the CGR, RGR and yield of green gram. Application of imazethapyr 200 g/ha recorded 79.08% reduction in weed biomass and 11.38% lower seed yield as compared to weedy check and 2-HW (15 and 30 DAS), respectively. 2-hand weeding effectively reduced weed biomass (88.07%) and showed highest yield (888.79 kg/ha), and CGR (13.61 g/day) followed by imazethapyr 200g/ha yield (787.66 kg/ha) and CGR (13.14 g/day).