Weed population, weed biomass and grain yield of wheat as influenced by herbicides application

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi seasons of 2015–16 and 2016–17 at Banka (Bihar) to evaluate the weed population, weed biomass and grain yield as influenced by herbicide application in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Seven weed species, viz. Phalaris minor, Cynodon dactylon, Chenopodium album, Oxalis purpurea, Anagallis arvensis, Medicago denticulata and Rumex dentatus infested the wheat field. Post-emergence application of sulfosulfuron 75% WG (25 g/ha) + metsulfuron-methyl 20% WP (2 g/ha) at 30 days after sowing (DAS) was very effective against broad-leaf weeds and annual grasses, and recorded significantly lower density and biomass of these weeds at 60 DAS as compared to isoproturon 75% WP 1.0 kg/ha, sulfosulfuron 75% WG 50 g/ha, metsulfuron-methyl 20% WP 4 g/ha and weedy check. Ear length, effective tillers/m2, grains/spike, grain and straw yields were also significantly higher in sulfosulfuron (25 g/ha) + metsulfuron-methyl (2 g/ha) as compared to other herbicide treatments.