Weed management options in transgenic stacked and non transgenic maize (Zea mays) hybrids-A review

Abstract

Weeds are generally hardy species having fast growth, deep root system and capable of competing very efficiently with cultivated crops for the available resources and adversely affect the crop growth and yield. Weed management systems that rely on post emergence control assume that crops can tolerate competition for certain periods of time without suffering yield losses. Initial slow growth particularly at early crop growth stages and wider plant spacing of maize crop encourages fast and vigorous growth of weeds. It is of paramount importance that, competition from weeds must be minimized to achieve optimum yield. Among the different weed control methods, chemical method bears many advantages in suppressing weed growth and to get healthy and vigorous crop stand. Non-selective herbicide molecules with a variety of mode of action were discovered, developed and marketed for successful weed control programme.