Integrated Weed Management Practices Research Articles

Effect of different integrated weed management practices on weed dynamics and growth attributes of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)

A field study was conducted in kharif season of 2014 and 2015 on Mungbean to evaluate the effect of different weed management practices upon the growth and yield attributes of Mungbean at Agriculture Research Station, Badnapur. The soil was clayey in texture, moderate in available nitrogen, low in available phosphorus, high in available potassium and moderately alkaline in reaction. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments which include one pre emergence herbicides Pendamethalin (30%E.C.) @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1, two post emergence herbicides Quizalofop ethyl (5%E.C.) @ 50 g a.i. ha-1, Imazethapyr (10%S.L.) @ 40 g a.i. ha-1 with solely application and applied with combination of each other, one cultural treatment (HW: 10, 30, 25 DAS) with control. Sowing was date on 11th July 2014 by dibbling method at 30 x 10 cm spacing. Among the weed free plot (2HW-10 and 30 DAS) (T9) significantly higher grain yield (994.33 kg ha-1) over all of the treatment. The second best treatment was (T7) T2 + Hand weeding at 25 DAS (951.67 kg ha-1) seed yield ha-1 followed by (T4) T2 + Quizalofop ethyl @ 50g ha-1 POE at 15 DAS recorded (904.33 kg ha-1) seed yield ha-1. Lowest seed yield was recorded by (T8) weedy check treatment (542.33 kg ha-1) seed yield.

CONTROLE CULTURAL E QUÍMICO DE Conyza spp. NO CONSÓRCIO DE MILHO COM Urochloa ruziziensis

As integrações de métodos de controle, visando o manejo de buva (Conyza spp.) passaram a ser práticas fundamentais nos sistemas integrados de produção, tais como milho (Zea mays) em consórcio com capim-ruziziensis (Urochloa ruziziensis). Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar a eficácia da cobertura do capim-ruziziensis sobre a supressão da buva e avaliar opções de controle químico de buva em capim-ruziziensis. O primeiro experimento foi realizado após a colheita de milho consorciado com capim-ruziziensis, realizando avaliações da infestação de buva e sua correlação com a massa seca do capim. O segundo experimento consistiu na aplicação em mistura dos seguintes tratamentos, em esquema fatorial 3 x 7: 2,4-D (1209 g ha-1 e.a.), [halauxifen-methyl + 2,4-D] (5,76 + 780 g ha-1 i.a.) e dicamba (960 g ha-1 i.a.) compondo o primeiro fator; e metsulfuron-methyl (2,4 g ha-1 i.a.), chlorimuron-ehtyl (20 g ha-1 i.a.), diclosulam (25,2 g ha-1 i.a.), saflufenacil (35 g ha-1 i.a.), bentazon (576 g ha-1 i.a.), atrazine (1000 g ha-1 i.a.) e testemunha sem aplicação de herbicidas compondo o segundo fator. O cultivo do milho safrinha consorciado com capim-ruziziensis, reduziu respectivamente, em 80, 60 e 96% a emergência, o crescimento e a massa seca das plantas de buva durante o período de entressafra. Todos os tratamentos proporcionaram controle de buva com até 8 cm, exceto 2,4-D isolado. Para plantas de 8 a 16 cm, todos os tratamentos com associação de herbicidas foram satisfatórios. Em plantas maiores que 16 cm, houve morte total das plantas com a aplicação de saflufenacil em associação com todos os herbicidas auxínicos. Os tratamentos seletivos para o capim-ruziziensis foram 2,4-D e dicamba isolados e as associações com bentazon.

Effect of integrated weed management on weed studies on summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under sub-montane region of Maharashtra

A field experiment was conducted during summer 2018 at Post Graduate Agronomy Research Farm, RCSM, College of Agriculture Kolhapur. The study was conducted with the objectives to study the effect of integrated weed management practices on weed studies on growth and yield of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) variety KDG-123 under Sub-Montane region of Maharashtra. The experiment was laid under randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications. The treatment weed free check recorded lowest dicot and monocot weed intensity which was followed by the treatments pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. ha-1 + one hand weeding at 30 DAS and pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. ha-1 + one hoeing at 30 DAS. The yield was found significantly highest in weed free check. The significantly highest weed control efficiency was recorded by weed free check (87.36%). However, the treatments pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. ha-1 + one hand weeding at 30 DAS (77.23%) and pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i ha-1 + one hoeing at 30 DAS (75.44%) which were comparable with weed free check. The significantly lowest weed control efficiency was recorded in weedy check. At harvest the lowest weed index was recorded in weed free check and followed by the treatments pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. ha-1 + one hand weeding at 30 DAS (9.72%) and pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i ha-1 + one hoeing at 30 DAS (10.32%), T2, T3, T7 and T4 and superior over weedy check. The highest weed index was recorded by the treatment weedy check (24.97%). The integrated weed management treatments pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i ha-1 + one hand weeding at 30 DAS (T6) and pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i ha-1 + one hand weeding at 30 DAS (T5) were found statistically at par with each other and significantly superior over rest of the treatments.

Virus-Mediated Transient Expression Techniques Enable Gene Function Studies in Black-Grass.

Even though considerable progress has been made in weed ecology, weed molecular biology has been hindered by an inability to genetically manipulate weeds. Genetic manipulation is essential to demonstrate a causative relationship between genotype and phenotype. Herein we demonstrate that virus-mediated transient expression techniques developed for other monocots can be used in black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides) for loss- and gain-of-function studies. We not only use virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) to create the black-grass exhibiting reduced PHYTOENE DESATURASE expression and virus-mediated overexpression (VOX) to drive GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN, we demonstrate these techniques are applicable to testing hypotheses related to herbicide resistance in black-grass. We use VIGS to demonstrate that AmGSTF1 is necessary for the resistant biotype Peldon to survive fenoxaprop application and show the heterologous expression of the bialaphos resistance gene with VOX is sufficient to confer resistance to an otherwise lethal dose of glufosinate. Black-grass is the most problematic weed for winter-cereal farmers in the UK and Western Europe as it has rapidly evolved adaptions that allow it to effectively avoid current integrated weed management practices. Black-grass also reduces yields and therefore directly threatens food security and productivity. Novel disruptive technologies which mitigate resistance evolution and enable better control over this pernicious weed are therefore required. These virus-mediated protocols offer a step change in our ability to alter genes of interest under controlled laboratory conditions and therefore to gain a molecular-level understanding of how black-grass can survive in the agri-environment.

Yield, quality and weed control in soybean crop as affected by several cultural and weed management practices

In the field of Agricultural University of Athens, the effects of false seedbed technique, stale seedbed, chemical and ecologically based control on weed growth and soybean yield were evaluated (2019). The experimental treatments were: normal seedbed, normal seedbed along with pre-emergence chemical control, false seedbed, stale seedbed with glyphosate and stale seedbed with pelargonic acid. In the plots of normal seedbed along with pre-emergence chemical control, pendimethalin was applied at rate of 1560 g a.i. ha-1. In the plots of stale seedbed with glyphosate, glyphosate was applied at a rate of 2160 g a.e. ha-1 and in the plots of stale seedbed with pelargonic acid, pelargonic acid was applied at a rate of 31020 g a.i. ha-1. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The results revealed that stale seedbed combined either with glyphosate or pelargonic acid application reduced annual weeds’ density by 94 and 95% as compared to normal seedbed. Stale seedbed along with pelargonic acid reduced the density of perennial weeds by 36, 38 and 41% as compared to the combination of normal seedbed and pre-emergence chemical control, normal seedbed and false seedbed, respectively. The application of glyphosate in stale seedbed plots was also effective against perennial weeds. It was also observed that stale seedbed along with glyphosate increased soybean seed yield by 17, 19 and 35% as compared to the combination of normal seedbed and pendimethalin application, false seedbed and normal seedbed, respectively. Beneficial were also the effects of the combination of stale seedbed and pelargonic acid not only on soybean seed yield but also on soybean protein content. Further research is needed in order to investigate the role of false and stale seedbeds as integrated weed management practices in various crops and under different soil and climatic conditions. Research is also needed to evaluate pelargonic acid for weed control in stale seedbeds since it is an eco-friendly herbicide with no restrictions for organic farming.

The effect of tillage and weed management practices on yield and nutrient uptake in wheat (Triticum aestivum L)

A field experiment entitled “The effect of tillage and weed management practices on yield and nutrient uptake in wheat (Triticum aestivum L)” was carried out at Agronomy research form, N.D University of Agriculture and Technology Narendra Nagar, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) during rabi season of 2017-18 to find out the effect of various tillage and weed management practices on growth, yield attribute, yield, nutrients, uptake, change in Physico- chemical properties of soil after harvesting the wheat crop and economic of various treatments. The combination of the five tillage systems (CT, ZT, CT, ZT+R, and ZT+R) and three weed management practices (Clodinafop + metsulfuron 60+4 g ha-1 + one hand weeding) was laid out in Split Plot Design and replicated thrice. The soil of the experiment field was silt loam in texture and medium in fertility status. The result revealed that among various tillage and weed management practices conventional tillage (CT) and Clodinafop + metsulfuron 60+4 g ha-1 + one hand weeding were found effective as compared to zero tillage system in increasing growth, yield attributes and yield of wheat during 2017-18. Adaptation of conventional tillage along with integrated weed management practices was also found most effective in increasing the uptake of nutrient. It can be concluded that under wet land condition for obtaining, better growth, yield attributes grain and straw yield, nutrients uptake, conventional tillage should be adopted / applied in wheat crop. However, for improving soil health, zero tillage + crop residue should be applied.

Effect of integrated weed management practices on growth and yield of Direct Seeded rice under puddle condition of Agro-climatic situation of Chhattisgarh

The present investigation was conducted at Instructional Farm of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.) India during the kharif season (June-October) 2006. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design comprised of eight treatments of various combinations of different herbicides viz. T1:PIH 2023 10% SC 15 g a.i/ha at 18 DAS; T2 : PIH 2023 10% SC 20 g a.i/ha at 18 DAS; T3 : PIH 2023 10% SC 25 g a.i/ha at 18 DAS; T4 : PIH 2023 10% SC 30 g a.i/ha at18 DAS; T5 : PIH 202310% SC 60 g a.i/ha at 18 DAS T6 : Almix 20% WP 4 g a.i/ha 18 DAS; T7 :Control (unweeded check) and T8 : Hand weeding at 30 DAS with three replications. Rice cultivar “IR-64” was grown as a test crop. The growth performance of Rice i.e. plant height, Number of tillers(m-2), Number of effective tillers(m-2), dry matter accumulation plant-1, was higher under PIH 2023 10% SC 25 g a.i/ha as compared to other weed management practices. Wher as the minimum growth of rice recorded under unweeded. Maximum grain yield and straw yield was under PIH 2023 10% SC 60 g a.i/ha Echinochloa colona, Cyperus spp., F. miliaceae, L. hyssopifolia were the pre-dominant weeds in experimental plot. Minimum weed density was noted under post emergence application of Almix 4 g ha-1 and PIH 2023 25 g ha-1 at 20, 40, 70 and 90 DAS. Whereas, at harvest lower dry matter of weeds and highest weed control efficiency was recorded under Almix 4 g ha-1 (T6), PIH 2023 25 g ha-1 and PIH 2023 60 g ha-1, respectively. It was found effective to control broad spectrum of weeds viz., grasses, sedges and forbs.

Effect of different integrated weed management practices on yield and economics of dry direct seeded rice

A field experiment was conducted during 2017-2018 at N. E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, to study effect of different integrated weed management practices on yield and economics of dry direct seeded rice in tarai region. Higher grain yield, biological yield, harvest index characters were recorded under pre emergence application of pendimethalin fb penoxsulam (PoE) fb 1HW 45 DAS at 25 cm spacing which was statistically at par with stale seed bed with shallow tillage fb application of pre-emergence application of pendimethalin fb 1 mechanical weeding (MW) with conoweeder at 25 DAS along with 1HW at 45 DAS, mulch fb penoxsulam (PoE) fb 1HW at 45 DAS, Sesbania line sowing with pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin fb 1 mechanical weeding fb 1HW at 45 DAS and stale seed bed with shallow tillage fb Sesbania line sowing fb pre-emergence pendimethalin fb brown manuring with 2,4-D at 500 g/ha fb1 HW at 45 DAS. Whereas, benefit cost ratio was found higher (2.1) under pre emergence application of pendimethalin fb penoxsulam(PoE) fb 1HW 45 DAS at 25 cm spacing which was statistically at par with stale seed bed with shallow tillage fb application of pre-emergence application of pendimethalin fb 1 mechanical weeding (MW) with conoweeder at 25 DAS along with 1HW at 45 DAS, mulch fb penoxsulam (PoE) fb 1HW at 45 DAS and Sesbania line sowing with pre-emergence application of pendimethalin fb 1 mechanical weeding fb 1HW at 45 DAS. From the study it can be concluded that above three integrated practices were same effective as recommended practice for controlling weed with higher return.

Effect of weed management practices and nitrogen levels on weed intensity and bulb yield of onion in loamy sand soils

Field experiment was conducted on onion to develop efficient integrated weed management practicesunder various levels of nitrogen. Two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAT or application of pendimethalin (PP) +oxadiargyl at 40 DAT or application of pendimethalin (PP) fb 1 HW at 40 DAT combined with 100 kg N ha−1 were recorded significantly higher bulb weight, bulb yield and net returns. Thus, either of above integrated weedmanagement practice can be used for rabi (winter) season onion in loamy sand soils.

Effect of non-chemical and chemical method of weed management in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)

The effective and eco-friendly way of weed management in tomato is essential for safer produce and clean environment. Accordingly, the experiment was conducted with chemical and non-chemical methods of weed management in tomato. The experiment consisted of nine treatments viz., four herbicides with and without hand weeding on 45 DAT viz., pendimethalin 1.00kg a.i. ha-1, oxyflourfen 0.125kg a.i./ha, metribuzin 0.50kg a.i. ha-1, fluchloralin 1.00kg a.i. ha-1 compared against non-chemical methods viz., the black polythene mulch (8m) was laid out at one day before transplanting, manual weeding and weedy check (control).Different weed control treatments significantly influenced the mean fruit yield. The yield increase in pre-emergence application of herbicide, pre emergence application of herbicide followed by hand weeding (IWM), polythene mulching, and twice manual weeding on 25 and 45 DAT were 45.8%, 75.8, 140.6 and 66.5% over weedy check. Thus, the polythene mulching was better than other methods of weed control. The maximum fruit yield of 24.78 t ha-1 was recorded under polythene mulching. The integrated weed management (IWM) involving pre emergence application of herbicide followed by hand weeding resulted in higher tomato yield of 18.32 t ha-1 than pre emergence application of herbicide, manual weeding and weedy check. The non-chemical like black polythene mulching resulted the higher net income of Rs.88258 ha-1 with BC ratio of 3.48 than other weed control methods. Hence, black polythene mulching may be recommended for effective control of weeds besides improving the fruit yield of tomato. In the absence of black polythene mulch due to non-availability, the integrated weed management practice of pre emergence application of herbicides followed by hand weeding on 45 DAT found to be better than other weed control measures.

Herbicide resistant barnyardgrass in Iran and Turkey

Background: Inconsistent control of Barnyardgrass has been reported repeatedly by farmers in major rice growing areas of Iran and Turkey. Objective: Thus, a greenhouse study was conducted to investigate the resistance of Barnyardgrass to acetyl CoA carboxylase (cyhalofop-butyl) and acetolactate synthase (penoxsulam, bispyribac-sodium) inhibiting herbicides. Methods: The seeds were sown in pots in a greenhouse and after screening, were sprayed with various rates of cyhalofop-butyl, penoxsulam and bispyribac-sodium herbicides at 3-4 leaf stage. Four weeks later, the above ground biomass was cut, dried in an oven and weighted. The results were then analyzed in the R software (drc package) using a four or three parameter log-logistic function. All experiments were repeated twice. Results: While 30% of biotypes collected from Turkey were not controlled by ACCase inhibitors at twice the recommended rates, no resistance was observed in Iran’s samples. Only one biotype exhibited cross-resistant to penoxsulam and bispyribac-sodium in Iran, which was due to consecutive application of herbicides with modes of action similar to these herbicides. In contrast, several Turkish biotypes showed cross-resistance as well as multiple resistance to ACCase and ALS inhibitors. Conclusions: The rapid expansion of herbicide resistance in both countries indicate the necessity of adopting integrated weed management practices to hinder the further evolution of resistance in future.

Integrated weed management strategies on weed flora, vase life and economic parameters of Prajwal tuberose

An experiment was carried out from April 2014 to March 16 to find out the impact of integrated weed management practices on tuberose cv. Prajwal, it is loose flower used for perfumery extraction, garland and semi-double, double type for cut flower crop, weed presence always compete for light, water, nutrient with main crop ultimately reduce yield and quality of floral and bulb, experiment was comprised with fourteen integrated treatments combination like three hand weeding at 30,60,90 days interval, three levels of four pre-emergence herbicides chemicals like pendemethalin (0.75, 1.0 kg a.i. ha−1, 0.75 kg a.i. ha−1 + one hand weeding at 40 DAP), oxyflourfen(0.5, 0.75 kg a.i. ha−1, 0.75 kg a.i. ha−1 + one hand weeding at 40 DAP), atrazine (1.0, 1.5 kg a.i. ha−1,1.0 kg a.i. ha−1 + one hand weeding at 40 DAP), butachlor (1.0, 1.5 kg a.i. ha−1,1.0 kg a.i. ha−1 + one hand weeding at 40 DAP) and weedy check replicated thrice in randomized block design. In the present investigation the pre emergence application of pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha showed significantly lowest weed population (number/m2), fresh weight and dry weight of weeds (g/m2) with highest weed control efficiency (%) at 25 DAP respectively, integrated pre- emergence combination of pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i/ha + one hand weeding application at 50 DAP and three hand weeding at 30, 60 and 90 days interval practice recorded at 75 DAP were at par and better over the weedy check. Whereas, three hand weeding at 30, 60 and 90 DAP were recorded highest vase life (days), water uptake (ml), loose flower yield (5285, 13847 kg ha−1), bulb yield ha−1 (279459, 985800 ha−1), gross returns and net returns (?/ha) in the year 2014 and 2015 respectively. However, pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha + one hand weeding at 40 days was statistically at par with three hand weeding at 30, 60 and 90 DAP, which recorded highest BC ratio (1.56, 20.27 respectively) during 2014 and 2015. Therefore, on the basis of two years results it is recommended that combination of pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg active ingredient per ha + one hand weeding at 40 days proved beneficial for integrated weed management in tuberose.

Efficient integrated weed management practices for higher productivity and profitability in vegetable pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense)

A field experiment was conducted on vegetable pea (Pisum sativum L. var. hortense) at Vegetable Research Station, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during 2014–17 to develop efficient integrated weed management practices. Seven different treatments, viz. pendimethalin @0.75 kg a.i./ha (pre-emergence), pendimethalin @0.75 kg a.i./ha (pre-emergence) + one hand weeding at 40 DAS, glyphosate @1.0 kg a.i./ha 15 days before sowing, glyphosate @1.0 kg a.i. /ha + one hand weeding at 40 DAS, mulching with black polythene, straw/grass mulch, hand weeding thrice at 20, 40 and 60 DAS were tested against two checks, i.e. weed free and weedy check (no weeding) in randomized block design with three replications. Vegetable pea variety ‘Azad Pea-3’ was used in the experiment. Crop was raised with recommended package of practices except treatments. Based on pooled data, among different treatments excluding weed free check, pendimethalin @0.75 kg a.i./ha (preemergence) + one hand weeding at 40 DAS recorded highest plant height (58.75 cm), seed weight/plant (12.73 g), number of seeds/pod (6.55), 100-seeds weight (31.93 g), seed yield (15.96 q/ha), seedling length (17.76 cm), seed vigour index–I (1619.92) and seed vigour index- II (13.17). In case of net return the same treatment also recorded significantly highest B:C ratio (2.30). Thus, pendimethalin @0.75 kg a.i./ha(pre-emergence) + one hand weeding at 40 DAS proved to be most profitable integrated weed management practice for vegetable pea.

Effects of integrated weed management practices on the performance of boro rice cultivars

Effects of integrated weed management practices on the performance of boro rice cultivars

A discussion of the market and policy failures associated with the adoption of herbicide-tolerant crops

ABSTRACTWeed control in the U.S. Midwest has become increasingly herbicide-centric due to the adoption of herbicide-tolerant (HT) crops in the 1990s. That integrated weed management (IWM) practices, including ecological and mechanical controls, are scarcely used is concerning. IWM would be a more sustainable form of farming for two reasons. First, it would reduce the negative health and environmental externalities associated with herbicide use. Second, it would reduce the selection pressure on weed populations and the development of weed resistance to some herbicides, thereby reducing the uncertainty of the long-term effectiveness of herbicidal weed control. In this context, we develop an economic framework to clarify the interplay among the different market failures that either contribute to the herbicidal ‘lock-in’ or make it problematic. We then analyse the evidence for and perceptions of these market failures based on twenty-four semi-structured interviews with farmers and experts conducted in 2017, as well as on discussions in the academic literature. To this end, we put into perspective the possible self-reinforcing effects in the adoption path of HT crops, such as increasing farm size, changes in farm equipment, increasing incentives for simplified crop rotations, and the loss of practical knowledge of IWM practices.

Studies on integrated weed management practices in maize-A review

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.

Influence of integrated weed management practices on weed dynamics, growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Influence of integrated weed management practices on weed dynamics, growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Integrated Weed Management in Aerobic Rice

Field experiment was conducted at the Wetlands Farm of Department of Farm Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University to find an effective integrated weed management strategy for the control of complex weed flora of aerobic rice. Pre emergence (PE) application of pendimethalin (1.0 kg ha-1) on 3 DAS + Early post emergence (EPOE) application of bispyribac sodium (25 g ha-1) on 20 DAS significantly lowered weed density and dry weight. This sequential application of pendimethalin and bispyribac sodium recorded 61.11 per cent increased yield over weedy check. The net return was higher in PE application of pendimethalin (1.0 kg ha-1) on 3 DAS + EPOE application of bispyribac sodium (25 g ha-1) on 20 DAS (`35,973 ha-1). Mean while growing intercrops as living mulch showed promising results for using it as a component of integrated weed management practice.

Assessment of Integrated Weed Management Practices on Weed Dynamics, Yield Components and Yield of Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in Eastern Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted to assess the integrated effects of pre-emergence herbicides and hand-weeding on weed control, yield components, yield, and their economic feasibility for cost effective weed control in faba bean. The experiment consisted of 12 treatments viz. pre-emergence s-metolachlor (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 kg ha-1) and pendimethalin (1.0, 1.25 and 1.5 kg ha-1), each at three rates metolachlor, s-metolachlor + one-hand-weeding, pendimethalin + one-hand-weeding, two-hand-weeding, complete weed free and weedy checks arranged. The weed flora consisted of broadleaved and sedge with the relative densities of 81.02 and 18.98 % at Haramaya district, and 80.83% and 19.17%, at Gurawa district, respectively. Application of s-metolachlor and pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha-1 each supplemented with hand weeding 5 WAE significantly (p ≤0.01) affected the broadleaved weeds, sedges and weed dry weight at both sites. S-metolachlor 1.0 kg ha-1 supplemented with hand weeding 5 WAE gave the lowest total number of weeds (8.29 m-2) following the weed free check. Higher grain yield (3555.8 kg ha-1) was produced with s-metolachlor 1.0 kg ha-1 supplemented with one-hand-weeding 5 WAE following complete weed-free at Gurawa. The benefit gained from s-metolachlor and pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha-1 each supplemented with one hand weeding 5 WAE were greater than the value recorded from the weedy check by 216% and 198 %, respectively. S-metolachlor 1.0 kg ha-1 supplemented with hand weeding 5 WAE treatment resulted in the highest grain yield and economic benefit. However, in case labour is constraint and s-metolachlor herbicide is timely available, pre emergence application of s-metolachlor at 2.0 kg ha-1 should be the alternative to preclude the yield loss and to ensure maximum benefit.

Adoption of integrated weed management practices correlates with farmers profile characteristics

This study explored the adoption level towards integrated weed management (IWM) practices and the associated relationship with various profile characteristics of 108 farmers from 12 villages of 6 blocks of Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh with an ex-facto sampling design. A list of various IWM practices in major crops suited to the study area and recommended by ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur, was prepared after consultation with experts in the area. It was found that majority of the respondents had medium extent of adoption of IWM practices with reference to rice (56%), soybean (49%), greengram (50%) and wheat (55%). A positive and significant correlation between level of adoption of respondents on overall IWM practices with other variables viz. age, education, farm size, training, extension contact, mass media exposure, input availability and innovativeness were noticed.