Weed Management Options Research Articles

Electric inter-row control of lupin plants does not adversely affect the neighbouring non-target lupin plants

Abstract Inter-row weed control is used in a wide range of crops, traditionally applied via physical cultivation or banded herbicide application. However, these methods may result in crop damage, herbicide resistance development, or off-target environmental impacts. Electric inter-row weed control presents an alternative, though its potential impact on crop yield requires further investigation. One of the modes of action of electric weed control is the continuous electrode-plant contact method, which passes a current through the weed and into the roots. As the current passes into the roots, it can potentially disperse through the soil to neighbouring root systems. Such off-target current dispersion, particularly in moist topsoil with low resistance, poses potential concern for neighbouring crops when electric inter-row weed control is applied. This research evaluated the continuous electrode-plant contact method, using a ZassoTM XPower machine, in comparison with mowing, across three trials conducted in 2022 and 2023. Both treatments were used to remove target lupin plants adjacent to a row of non-target lupin. Electric weed control was applied to plants in dry soil or following a simulated rainfall event. The trials demonstrated that electric weed control and mowing did not reduce density and biomass of neighbouring non-target lupin plants compared to the untreated control. Likewise, pod and seed production, grain size and protein, as well as grain germinability and vigour of the resulting seedlings was not reduced by these weed control tactics. This research used technology that was not fit for purpose in broad scale grain crops but concludes that electric weed control via the continuous electrode-plant contact method or mowing did not result in crop damage. Therefore, it is unlikely that damage will occur using commercial-grade electric weed control or mowing technology designed for large acreage inter-row weed control, thus offering non-chemical weed management options.

Evaluation of Alternate Tillage and Weed Management Options on Production Potential and Weed Incidences for Dry Seeded Rice (DSR)

Evaluation of Alternate Tillage and Weed Management Options on Production Potential and Weed Incidences for Dry Seeded Rice (DSR)

Herbicidal weed management options for pigeon pea(Cajanus cajan) grown in southeastern Rajasthan

A field experiment was carried out during the kharif seasons of 2020–21, 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Kota, Rajasthan, to study the effect of post-emergence herbicides on productivity of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp]. The results indicated that the minimum weed density and dry weight, and the highest yield attributes, yields, and net return of pigeonpea were obtained under weed free plot. All the herbicidal treatments significantly reduced the weed density and biomass compared to the weedy check. However, application of pendimethalin 30 EC @ 0.75 kg /ha (PE) fb Imazethapyr 10 SL @ 100 g/ha at 20–25 DAS + one inter-cultivation at 50 DAS recorded significantly higher plant height (1.82 m), pods/branch (22.96), pods/plant (206.3), weed control efficiency (84.39% at 60 DAS), grain yield (1,868 kg/ha), net return (` 87.66 x 103 /ha) and B: C ratio (3.35) over weedy check. This leads to the 61.73% higher pigeonpea grain yield over the weedy check plot. Hence it can be inferred that the ap- plication of pendimethalin 30 EC @ 0.75 kg /ha (PE) fb Imazethapyr 10 SL @ 100 g/ha at 20–25 DAS + one inter- cultivation at 50 DAS is an efficient weed control method for profitable cultivation of pigeonpea in south eastern Rajasthan.

Alternative and Emerging Mulch Technologies for Organic and Sustainable Agriculture in the United States: A Review

Plastic mulches made from nonbiodegradable polymers (e.g., polyethylene) provide an essential service in commercial horticultural production systems by enhancing crop productivity through weed suppression, soil moisture conservation, and moderating soil and canopy temperature conditions. Plastic mulches are particularly important in organic agriculture because weed management options are limited. Nevertheless, there is increasing concern about addressing the negative environmental impacts of plastic mulch waste. Soil-biodegradable plastic mulch (BDM) films that are designed to biodegrade in soils after incorporation are promising alternatives to nonbiodegradable plastic mulch. However, although the US organic standards technically permit the use of BDM films, no commercially available products meet National Organic Program (NOP) requirements for 100% biobased content and 90% degradation after 2 years following soil incorporation (7 Code of Federal Regulations, section 205.2). Other concerns about biodegradable film mulches include high perceived cost, esthetics, and uncertainties regarding the impacts of soil incorporation. New mulch technologies have emerged to diversify sustainable mulch options and overcome barriers associated with BDM film use in organic production. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of alternative and emerging mulch technologies, with an emphasis on biodegradable mulches, including water-based sprayable mulches such as hydromulch and foam mulch, and biobased agrotextiles. Information about how these mulch technologies contribute to organic and sustainable agriculture is provided, along with definitions, opportunities, challenges, and recommended areas for future research.

Weed management options in drum seeded wetland rice

High labour requirement and cost for raising nursery and transplanting of the seedlings has necessitated the shift from transplanted rice to direct-seeded rice. To reduce the requirement of large quantity of seeds, incidence of pests and diseases in broadcasting and to ensure uniform seed distribution for consistent crop growth and easier maintenance, mechanization is needed in direct-seeded rice. The major constraint experienced in wet DSR is the occurrence of high weed infestation as emerging seedlings in direct-sown fields are less competitive with concurrently emerging weeds. An experiment was conducted at M. S. Swaminathan Rice Research Station, Moncompu, Kerala Agricultural University during kharif and rabi 2021-22, with eight treatments and three replications in randomised complete block design to identify suitable cost-effective agronomic management practices to enhance the productivity of drum seeded rice and to maximise its resource-use-efficiency. The results revealed wet DSR using drumseeder as a viable crop establishment method for reducing the seed requirement, cultivation time, energy, cost of cultivation, pest and disease infestation, minimise plant stress due to transplanting and sustaining yield. There was significant variation in the yield and yield attributes in drum seeding depending on the weed management strategies adopted viz., two conoweedings, post emergent herbicide application, pre followed by post emergent herbicide application, post emergent herbicide application followed by conoweeding. Post-emergence application of Chlorimuron ethyl + Metsulfuron methyl @ 0.004 kg/ha and Penoxsulam + Cyhalofop butyl @ 0.135 kg/ha as tank mix at 18 DAS followed by conoweeding at 30 DAS was found economical in drum seeding which was on par yield with broadcasted crop yield under post emergent herbicide application.

Herbicide evaluation in direct seeded rice in the middle Gangetic plains of India

AbstractA field experiment was conducted in Samastipur district of Bihar, India during kharif season of 2021 and 2022 to identify suitable herbicides for control of composite weed flora in direct seeded rice. Compared to weedy check, application of bispyribac sodium + pyrazosulfuron ethyl as tank mixture effectively reduced weed density at 50 days after seeding during both the cropping season (82% and 86%, respectively) and weed dry weight (7.62 and 7.18 g m−2, respectively) over control and as a result yielded maximum during both the cropping season (47.92 and 51.32 q ha−1, respectively). Based on overall performance, bispyribac sodium + pyrazosulfuron ethyl may be considered as viable weed management option in direct seeded rice for the rice growers of middle Indo‐Gangetic region.

Impact of Weed Management Options on Weed Dynamics and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): A Review

Impact of Weed Management Options on Weed Dynamics and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): A Review

Effect of row distance on plant architecture, weed suppression and yield of silage maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) in a pesticide-free cultivation system in Southern Germany

Conventional farming prioritizes monocultures and synthetic chemicals to secure high yields. However, there are a growing number of initiatives worldwide to reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides. One option for pesticide-free weed management is the adjustment of sowing pattern (row distance, plant arrangement, sowing density). This study investigated the effects of an equal distance sowing versus a normal distance sowing (EDS and NDS1) at constant sowing density on plant morphology, growth and yield of silage maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) as well as the weed occurrence. Therefore, a 3-year (2020–2022) pesticide-free, field experiment was conducted at the Heidfeldhof Research Station, University of Hohenheim, Germany. In silage maize, neither plant architecture nor biomass yield showed significant differences between EDS with 0.375 m and NDS with 0.75 m row distance. In contrast, soybean developed a bushier plant architecture with more branches and shorter petioles in EDS with 0.15 m compared to plants in NDS with 0.50 m row distance, demonstrating phenotypic plasticity. A higher number of pods per plant (EDS: 28.05; NDS: 22.73) and seed yield (EDS: 406.58 g m−2; NDS: 389.34 g m−2) indicated the potential for increased yields applying EDS. Crop competitiveness against weeds was higher in EDS than in NDS, especially early in the growing season. The results highlight the importance of EDS as a valuable tool for pesticide-free, non-organic cropping systems through positive effects on crop yield and efficient weed control.

Effect of different weed control techniques on the leaf yield and nutritional qualities of Ocimum sanctum

AbstractOcimum sanctum is a leaf‐vegetable and spice crop with several nutritional, therapeutic, and curative properties. Economic losses due to weeds have posed a major challenge to farmers, who have adopted different techniques to manage weeds without regard to its effect on the crop's nutritional qualities. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of weed control techniques on weed eradication, leaf yield, and nutritional qualities of O. sanctum. Nine weed control techniques comprising black, red, and transparent polyethylene mulches, rice husk and sawdust mulches, daily removal of weed (DROW), hoe‐weeded, application of Haloxyfop post‐emergence herbicide spray (PEHS), and un‐weeded were investigated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant variations in leaf‐yield and nutritional qualities among the different weed control techniques were recorded. Leaf yield was higher in plots treated with rice husk and black polyethylene mulches. Haloxyfop PEHS and transparent polyethylene mulch were superior in enhancing the proximate and vitamin contents of O. sanctum while black polyethylene and DROW were more efficient in weed control compared with the other weed control techniques. The use of polyethylene mulch as an effective weed management option offers numerous benefits for agriculture and gardening. Its ability to conserve moisture, suppress weed growth, and improve the crop microclimate, makes it a sustainable and cost‐effective option for farmers globally. Additionally, the use of herbicide to exploit plant biosynthetic pathways could lead to the unearthing of chemical innovations that could in addition to eradicating weed, also improve the nutritional qualities of crop.

Implementing Digital Multispectral 3D Scanning Technology for Rapid Assessment of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Weed Competitive Traits

The economic significance of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) as a source of grain, fiber, and flower is rising steadily. However, due to the lack of registered herbicides effective in hemp cultivation, growers have limited weed management options. Plant height, biomass, and canopy architecture may affect crop–weed competition. Greenhouse experiments conducted at the joint Clemson University Coastal Research and Education Center and USDA-ARS research facility at Charleston, SC, USA used 27 hemp varieties, grown under controlled temperature and light conditions. Weekly plant scans using a digital multispectral phenotyping system, integrated with machine learning algorithms of the PlantEye F500 instrument, (Phenospex, Heerlen, Netherlands) captured high-resolution 3D models and spectral data of the plants. Manual and scanner-based measurements were validated and analyzed using statistical methods to assess plant growth and morphology. This study included validation tests showing a significant correlation (p < 0.001) between digital and manual measurements (R2 = 0.89 for biomass, R2 = 0.94 for height), indicating high precision. The use of 3D multispectral scanning significantly reduces the time-intensive nature of manual measurements, allowing for a more efficient assessment of morphological traits. These findings suggest that digital phenotyping can enhance integrated weed management strategies and improve hemp crop productivity by facilitating the selection of competitive hemp varieties.

Influence of Land Configuration and Weed Management Options on Soil Properties and Nutrient Uptake by Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)

Influence of Land Configuration and Weed Management Options on Soil Properties and Nutrient Uptake by Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)

Effect of Various Weed Management Options on Weed Dry Matter, Yield Attributes and Yield of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) under Organic Production System

A field experiment was conducted at Instructional cum Research Farm, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.) during kharif 2019 entitled “Effect of various weed management options on weed dry matter, yield attributes and yield of sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) under organic production system”. The soil of the experimental site was clayey in texture, neutral in reaction and low in nitrogen, medium in phosphorus and high in potassium. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The weed flora of the experimental site was dominated by Echinocloa colona, Alternanthera sessilis, Parthenium hysterophorus, Cyperus iria. Results revealed that the highest green cob yield of sweet corn was recorded in stale seed bed + reduced spacing (upto 25%) + mulching with paddy straw + 20 DAS hand weeding (7.63t ha-1 ) which was 83.48% higher than the weedy check. The green cob yield in stale seed bed + reduced spacing (upto 25%) + mulching with paddy straw + 20 DAS hand weeding was found to be at par with mulching with waste polythene bags (ITK-practices) (7.45t ha- ), hand weeding twice carried out at 20 and 40 DAS (7.33 t ha-1) and soil solarization with 25µ polythene mulch during summer + one hand weeding at 20 DAS(6.94t ha-1). Although grain yield in other weed management practices was significantly lower than stale seed bed + reduced spacing (upto 25%) + mulching with paddy straw + 20 DAS hand weeding treatments but higher than weedy check. Similarly, As regards total weed dry weight at harvest, the total lowest weed dry weight was observed in stale seed bed + reduced spacing (upto 25%) + mulching with paddy straw + hand weeding at 20 DAS(3.45gm-2) followed by mulching with waste polythene bags (ITK- practices)(4.71 gm-2), hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS (4.96gm-2)and soil solarization with 25µ polythene mulch during summer + one hand weeding at 20 DAS(5.08 gm-2). However, higher WCE was noticed in these treatment over weedy check. The weedy check was significantly inferior in all the yield attributes and green cob yield of sweet corn.

Effect of weed management options and nitrogen scheduling on weed dynamics and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum) under Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2014–2015 and 2015–16 at Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to study the effect of weed-management options and nitrogen scheduling on weed dynamics and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Common infesting weeds which appeared in wheat field were Phalaris minor Retz. and Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. among grasses, and Chenopodium album L., Anagallis arvensis L., Melilotus alba Medik. and Convolvulus arvensis L. as broad-leaf weeds. Moreover, among sedges, only 1 species, Cyperus rotundus L. was observed. Among the weed-management options, mesosulfuron-methyl + Iodosulfuron-methyl sodium (400 g/ha) with higher dose of nitrogen (150 kg N/ha) applied in 3 spilt applications [50% as basal + 25% at crown-root initation (CRI) + 25% at flowering] proved significantly superior in minimizing the density (33%) and biomass of weeds (34%) at 60 days after sowing (DAS). The former treatment increased the leaf-area index (LAI) and SPAD values that elevated the production of wheat grain yield. Among time of nitrogen application, 3 splits (50% as basal + 25% at CRI + 25% at flowering) enhanced the nutrient-uptake efficiency (27.4%) and total nutri ent uptake (40.2%) by crop than 3 equal splits at sowing (basal), CRI and flowering. Higher dose of nitrogen (150 kg N/ha) resulted in higher yield (15.7%) and nutrient uptake (13.4%) than its lower dose. Thus, application of ready-mixed post-emergence herbicides, i.e. mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron (400 g/ha) with higher dose of nitrogen (150 kg N/ha) applied 50% as basal and 25% top-dressed at CRI and 25% at flowering was most effective with re spect to weed-suppression, yield and economics of wheat.

Effect of water regimes and weed-management practices on growth, yield and weed-control efficiency of rice under system of rice intensification

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2012 and 2013 at Khudwani, Jammu and Kashmir, to evaluate the effect of water regimes and weed-management practices on growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown on silty clay loam soil. The treatments comprised 3 irrigations schedules, viz. alternate wetting and drying (AWD), saturated conditions (SC) and continuous flooding (FL), and 7 weed-management op tions including 4 herbicidal treatments, viz. pyrazosulfuron ethyl @ 20 g/ha at 3 days after transplanting (DAT, W1 ); cyhalofop butyl @ 80 g/ha at 15 DAT (W2 ); pyrazosulfuron ethyl 20 g followed by (fb) cyhalofop butyl 80 g/ha at 3 and 15 DAT (W3 ); butachlor @ 1.5 kg/ha at 3 DAT (W4 ); 3 cono weeding at 15, 25 and 35 DAT (W5 ) along with weedy check (W6 ) and weed free (W7 ). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 3 replications under SRI. The data revealed that significant higher growth parameters like leaf-area index (LAI), dry-matter accumula tion and tillers/plant and yield attributes, i.e. panicle length, panicles/m2, grains/panicle, panicle weight, grains/ panicles, 1,000-grain weight, and higher grain yield were recorded in saturated water regime. On an average a yield superiority of 2.2 and 5.8% was recorded by saturated water regime over AWD and continuous flooding. Among the herbicides tested, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl @ 20 g/ha (3 DAT) fb cyhalofop-butyl @ 80 g/ha (15 DAT) re sulted in significantly higher panicle length, panicles/m2, panicle weight, grains/panicles, 1,000-grain weight and higher grain yield comparable to the weedy check. The mean yield advantage recorded by the use of pyrazosulfuron-ethyl fb cyhalofop-butyl was 19.3, 14.0 and 10.3% over cyhalofop-butyl, cono-weeding and butachlor, respectively, during both the years of experimentation.

Enhancing Summer Soybean Yield through Evaluation of Herbicidal Weed Management Options

The farmers of Gujarat have turned to soybean cultivation as soybean demand is increasing promisingly. Improper weed management is one of the reasons for the large yield gap between the potential and the actual yield of soybean harvested by the farmers. So, the selection of different herbicides in soybean is necessary for effective management of complex weed flora. An experiment was plotted with an aim of enhancing summer soybean yield through evaluation of herbicidal weed management options on medium black calcareous soil at Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during summer season of 2021. The experiment comprised 12 treatments that were arranged in randomized block design with 3 replications. The outcomes of the results revealed that following to weed-free treatment, pre-mix pendimethalin + imazethapyr 750+50 g/ha as pre-emergence (PE) fb hand-weeding (HW) & inter-culturing (IC) at 30 days after sowing (DAS), HW at 15 DAS fb pre-mix propaquizafop + imazethapyr 50+75 g/ha as post-emergence (PoE) at 30 DAS, HW at 15 DAS fb pre-mix fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen 125+125 g/ha (PoE) at 30 DAS and pre-mix pendimethalin + imazethapyr 750+50 g/ha (PE) fb pre-mix fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen 125+125 g/ha (PoE) at 30 DAS enhanced growth parameters viz., plant height, branches per plant; yield attributes i.e., number of pods per plant and ultimately lead to greater seed yield and stover yield. These herbicidal weed management options also reduced population in addition to dry matter of weeds and had less reduction in yield due to better control of weeds, less crop-weed competition and higher weed control efficiency.

The first record of milk thistle (Silybum marianum, Asteraceae) as an alien invasive weed species in Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia.

Abstract Since 2020, milk thistle Silybum marianum, an invasive weed species, has been widely observed in urban green spaces and roadsides in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia. To plan future management activities, this study aimed to determine the current distribution status of the weed in urban green areas of Addis Ababa city. Weed surveys were conducted across 42 urban green sites located in Yeka, Lemi Kura, Bole, Nifas Silk-Lafto, Kolfie Keraniyo, Akaky Kality, and Gullele sub-cities during the main rainy season from June to September 2023. Urban green areas were selected using purposive sampling techniques. Field observations confirmed that Silybum marianum can invade and colonize a wide range of habitats and is highly competitive, posing a threat to important native plant species. High weed density rates and dense stands of weeds were recorded in the 34 urban green areas surveyed. The survey results strongly suggest implementing fast integrated weed management options such as mowing/tilling, weeding before the plant goes to seed, cutting (stems and/or seed heads), and burning (collected plant parts and/or seed heads) into a prepared burrow to minimize the spread of the weed and its ecological impacts. The purpose of this survey study is to provide information about Silybum marianum to minimize or avoid its distribution and associated impacts by following sustainable invasive weed management programs in the city before spreading to other cities in the country.

Response of Green Gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] to Different Weed Management Practices

Background: Green gram is an important pulse crop known for its nutritive values as a rich source of protein and high culinary application in Indian dietary system. However, like any other crop, it faces the challenge of weed competition, which can significantly reduce its yield and quality. The objective of this study was to determine the best suitable weed management practices for green gram. Methods: Field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2021 at School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus. There were seven weed management treatments and one treatment kept as control. All treatments were replicated thrice. Result: Hand weeding at 20 and 40DAS showed greater weed control and recorded higher values in growth and yield and showed at par values with other weed management practices pre-emergence application of pendimethalin fb hand weeding at 20 DAS, Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg ha-1 (PE) fb Rice straw mulching @ 5 t ha-1, Imazethapyr @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (PoE) at 15 DAS fb Quizalofop p-ethyl @ 0.15 kg ha-1 (PoE) at 30 DAS and Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg ha-1 (PE) fb Quizalofop p-ethyl @ 0.15 kg ha-1 (PoE) at 30 DAS. However, the use of only rice straw could not perform better. This indicates the advantages of integration of weed management practices. With hand weeding a laborious task concerning in large field condition, other integration of weed management will serve a viable option for profitable weed management in green gram.

Ambrosia grayi as a new alien causal species in Israel: plant biology and chemical management.

Ambrosia grayi is a perennial weed native to northern Mexico, which can also be found in the Great Plains of the US. Outside the Americas, A. grayi has only been documented in Israel, where it is currently categorized as a casual species at advanced eradication stages. Here, we studied the plant biology and chemical weed management options of A. grayi. Only large achenes of A. grayi (~5% of all achenes) contain seeds; moreover, the viability of seeds extracted from large achenes was ~25%. Examination of plant anatomy revealed that underground vegetative segments show an anatomical structure of stems (rhizomes) with anomalous secondary growth. The optimal (night/day) temperature for the emergence of A. grayi rhizomes was 20/30 °C, and the emergence rate increased under elevated temperatures. Emergence may occur at different soil moisture content (25-60%); rhizomes were able to emerge even after 1 month of drought conditions (20%, 25% and 30%). Herbicide combinations, such as fluroxypyr + glufosinate, fluroxypyr + glyphosate, and glyphosate + saflufenacil + surfactant, were tested under quarantine conditions and showed high efficacy for the control of A. grayi. However, the efficiency of these treatments was highly correlated with plant growth stage. In Israel, the spread of A. grayi occurs mainly via rhizomes that can emerge under a wide range of temperatures and soil moisture conditions. Data regarding herbicide efficacy will aid in improving the eradication efforts taken by Israel's Plant Protection and Inspection Services. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of crop residue and weed management on weed incidence, soil moisture and yield of chickpea

Chickpea is a major pulse crop which is grown and consumed by the Indian people. Due to poor weed competition ability of chickpea and very few weed management options, yield of chickpea is drastically reduced under vertisols. Therefore, the present study related to weed management and crop residues on weed incidence, yield attributing character and yield of chickpea was conducted at Research Farm of JNKVV, Jabalpur (MP), India. A field experiment was undertaken in split plot design with 3 replications and 4 weed-management treatment in main-plot and four crop residues as sub-plot. The main plot treatments were pendimethalin 38.7% CS at 1 kg/ha as pre plant incorporation (PPI), hand weeding at 30 days after sowing (DAS), hand hoeing at 30 DAS and weedy check. Four crop residues mulch (CRM) were, wheat straw (WSM), paddy straw (PSM) and soybean haulm (SHM) each at 5 t/ha and control where no mulch material was applied. Results revealed that imposition of hand weeding at 30 DAS recorded with least weeds with lesser weed biomass resulting in higher weed control efficiency (WCE). However, weedy check recorded maximum weed count and dry weight. Pendimethalin 1 kg/ha recorded lower weed prevalence and weed dry weight. It was similar to hand hoeing done at 30 DAS. Among applied CRM, PSM recorded lower weed density and dry weight with higher WCE and soil moisture at 30 DAS and was superior over control plots. Hand weeding at 30 DAS recorded with higher yield attributing traits viz, pods/plant, seed/pod and seed index resulted higher seed yield (1,604 and 1,731 kg/ha respectively in 2018–19 and 2019–20). It was at par with pendimethalin at 1 kg/ha. The lower yield attributes and yield was recorded in weedy check plots. Among CRM, spreading of PSM give more pods and seeds/pod with higher seed index resulted in higher seed yield (1515 and 1593 kg/ha in 2018–19 and 2019–20 respectively) over others. Thus, application of PSM at 5 t/ha with one hand weeding at 30 DAS or with pendimethalin can be suggested for significant weed control and higher seed yield in chickpea.

Response of sunflower-weed ecosystem to herbicide oxadiagryl and integrated weed management options

Field experiment was conducted during summer, 2021 at Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar to study the response of sunflower as a part of Integrated weed management with suboptimal, optimal and super optimal doses of oxadiargyl as pre-emergence spray with or without quizalofop ethyl 5 EC @ 37.5 g/ha at 15 - 20 DAS in sunflower hybrid "KBSH-44" revealed that weed free control has recorded the highest seed yield (2064 kg/ha), which remained at par with oxadiargyl @ 125 g/ha as pre-emergence spray fb one HW at 30 DAS with a seed yield of 1962 kg/ha with a WCE of 92.6% at harvest.