Abstract: A field experiment was conducted with fourteen treatments (oxadiarzyl 0.180 kg/ha, pendimethalin 1.50 kg/ha, trifluralin 1.50 kg/ha and isoproturon 1.25 kg/ha alone and at half rate with hand weeding (HW), oxadiarzyl, pendimethalin and trifluralin each at half rate followed by (fb) isoproturon 0.75 kg/ha (post), pendimethalin fb clodinafop each at half rate, hand weeding twice and weedy check) at Palampur during Rabi 2006–2007 and 2007–08. Phalaris minor (28.2%), Avena ludoviciana (25.2%) and Lolium temulentum (19.2%) were the predominant grassy weeds. The broad-leaved weeds (Vicia sativa, Coronopus didymus and Anagallis arvensis) as a whole constituted 26.7% of the total weed flora. Hand weeding twice and pendimethalin fb isoproturon were more effective in reducing the population of P. minor. Pendimethalin + hand weeding and hand weeding twice were effective against A. ludoviciana. Similarly integration of one hand weeding with isoproturon and trifluralin and hand weeding twice effectively taken care of L. temulentum. Pendimethalin + isoproturon and hand weeding twice reduced N and S removal by weeds. Pendimethalin fb isoproturon and trifluralin fb isoproturon resulted in significantly higher yield attributes (silique/plant, seeds/silique, 1000-seed weight), seed yield and seed N per cent of mustard. Trifluralin + HW and pendimethalin fb isoproturon gave higher gross and net returns due to weed control over other treatments. Isoproturon resulted in highest net return per rupee invested on weed control (18.5).

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted to find out the most effective control measure for weeds in sesame (Sesamum indicun L.) under rainfed condition. Result showed that two hand weeding (weed free) recorded lowest weed population and dry weight which was significantly superior over rest of the treatments. Application of quizalofop-ethy l0.05 kg/ha + 1 HW proved most effective and also recorded lower population and dry weight of weeds followed by trifluralin 0.75 kg/ha + 1 HW and pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha + 1 HW. Weed control efficiency and seed yield was higher under quizalofop-ethyl 0.05 kg/ha + 1 hand weeding as compared to other weed control treatments.

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted during Kharif season of 2007 and 2008 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to evolve suitable combination of pre and post-emergence herbicides for effective weed management in direct-seeded rice under unpuddled conditions. Results indicated that during 2007, integration of post-emergence application (30 Days after sowing) of bispyribac (25 and 30 g/ha) or azimsulfuron (20 g/ha) with pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha, pretilachlor 0.5 kg/ha and thiobencarb 1.25 kg/ha provided effective control of weeds and produced significantly higher grain yields than unweeded (control) treatment. During 2008 also, integration of pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ ha or oxadiargyl 0.90 g/ha with post-emergence application of bispyribac 25 kg/ha, azimsulfuron 20 g/ha and 2,4-D 0.5 kg/ha resulted in significant reduction in dry matter of weeds and increased grain yield as compared to alone application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha. Pre-emergence application of flufenacet 80 g/ ha and early post-emergence application of penoxsulam 30 and 35/g ha were found ineffective for controlling weeds.

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm of MPUAT, Udaipur for two consecutive years during 2008–09 and 2009–10 to evaluate the efficacy of different doses of quizalofop-ethyl as postemergences (at 4–6 leaf stage of weeds) in blackgram and residual effect thereof on succeeding Rabi crops (wheat, gram and mustard). The experiment comprising five weed control treatments, viz. quizalofopethyl at 37.5 and 50 g/ha as post-emergence, pendimethalin 750 g/ha as pre-emergence, farmers practice of two hand weedings at 20 and 35 days after sowing (DAS) and weedy check, was conducted in randomized block design with four replications. To study phytotoxicity, quizalofop-ethyl 100 g/ha was also included in addition to above treatments. In the experimental field, more than 50% weeds were dominated by Echinochloa spp. Results revealed that among the herbicidal treatments, quizalofop-ethyl 50 g/ha recorded the lowest narrow-leaved weed density and dry weight at 30 DAS and at harvest during both the years. Quizalofop-ethyl irrespective of its doses was not effective against broad-leaved weeds. The weed control efficiency of quizalofop-ethyl 50 g/ha was 81.3% than the highest (85.6%) under two hand weedings against grassy weeds at harvest. Number of branches and pods/plant, seeds/pod and grain and stover yields of blackgram were also superior in plots treated with quizalofop-ethyl 50 g/ha or two HW. Quizalofop-ethyl was found safe to blackgram, and did not cause any residual toxicity to succeeding crops.

Abstract: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) being a major food crop of Madhya Pradesh is cultivated on 1.68 million ha with production of 1.56 million tones (Anonymous 2009). Direct seeding of rice has more benefits as compared to traditional transplanting. However, weeds are one of the limiting factors in directseeded rice, which reduce the yield up to 50-100%. Bispyribac-sodium is known to be effective against many annual and perennial grasses, sedges, and broad-leaved weeds in rice (Yadav et al. 2009). However, meager information is available for Kymore plateau and Satpura Hills Zone of M.P., hence the present investigation was undertaken. METHODOLOGY A field experiment was carried out during Kharif season of 2010 at Jawaharlal Nehru Kirshi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.) to test the efficacy of bispyribac-sodium against weeds. Ten treatments consisting of bispyribac-Na at varying doses along with conventinonal herbicides (butachlor) and hand weeding were arranged in a randomised block design with three replications. Rice variety ‘IR 64’ was direct-seeded these treatments, which was significantly lower than all other treatments. These results are in conformity with the findings of Yadav et al. (2009). Maximum weed index (66.4%) was recorded in unweeded check. Among the herbicidal treatments, bispyribac-sodium 80 g/ha recorded minimum weed index (5.2%). This clearly indicated that weeds were controlled effectively under bispyribac-sodium 80 g/ha.

Abstract: In soybean, weeds are controled by cultural, mechanical and chemical methods either alone or in combination of more than one methods. Weed management through manual weeding or hoeing although effective in reducing weed competition but it is not free from several limitations such as non-availability of sufficient manpower during peak periods, high labour cost, time consuming and not feasible under heavy soils and high rainfall areas. Moreover, mechanical weeding disturbs the physical conditions of the soil and cause mechanical injury to roots and shoots. To overcome these problems, weed control in soybean by chemicals is preferred, which is effective, cheaper and many times faster than the conventional methods. A field experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2009-10 at Research Farm, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh). The soil of the experimental field was sandy clay loam in texture, neutral in reaction having 0.68 per cent organic carbon. The soil was low in available N (215 kg/ha), P (9.20 kg/ ha) and medium in K (318.0 kg/ha). Nine treatments, viz. imazethapyr (75 g/ha), imazethapyr (100 g/ha) imazethapyr + adjuvant (75 g + 1 l/ha) imazethapyr + adjuvant + ammonium sulphate (100 g + 750 ml + 1 kg/ha), chlorimuronethyl (9.7 g/ha), fenoxoprop-ethyl (67.5 g/ha), weed free (HW at 30 DAS) and weedy check were tested in randomized block design with three replications. Healthy seeds (70 kg/ha) of soybean cv. ‘JS 97.52’ were treated before sowing with thiram at the rate of 3 g/kg and sown in furrows opened manually at 30 cm apart rows. The soybean crop fertilized with 20 kg N (urea) : 60 kg P2O5 (single super phosphate) and 20 kg K2O (muriate of potash) at the time of sowing. The total rainfall received during the period of experimentation was 1339.3 mm. The quadrate of 0.25 m2 was used to count the weeds in each plot. The data were transformed and expressed in per square meter. The percentage of weed flora was estimated from weedy check. Weed control efficiency (WCE) was estimated by the formula given by Mani et al. (1973). The weed flora of the experimental field consisted of both grassy weeds, viz. Cyperus rotundus, Digitaria sanguinallis and Eleusine Indica and broad-leaved weeds, viz. Portulaca oleracea and Eclipta alba.

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at Chatha, Jammu during winter season of 2004–05 and 2005–06 to study the effect of different herbicides and its mixtures on weeds and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Unchecked weeds growth caused 40.3% reduction in grain yield of wheat. Application of sulfosulfuron (25 g) + 2,4-D (500 g/ha) reduced weed population and biomass significantly and thereby caused increase in crop growth and grain yield of wheat. This was at par with tank-mix application of clodinafop (60 g) + metsulfuron-methyl (2 g/ha), isoproturon (750 g) + 2,4-D (500 g/ha) and fenoxaprop (120 g) + metribuzin (100 g/ha). Maximum grain yield was recorded in weed-free (5.05 t/ha), but the highest B:C ratio was observed with isoproturon+2,4-D (1.79). There was a significant positive correlation between N uptake by crop and grain yield of wheat (0.99), but a negative correlation was observed between grain yield and density and N removal by weeds.

Abstract: SUMMARY Transplanted crop recorded the lowest total weedpopulation and dry matter and similar to dry seeding on 0days after nursery sowing. Total weed population and drymatter was lower under early sowing on 0, 7 and 14 DANSas compared to delayed sowings. Sequential applicationof herbicides effectively controlled Echinochloa sp . and D. sanguinalis while control of Eragrostis sp. and L.chinensis was very poor. Transplanted crop recorded thehighest rice grain yield, at par with dry seeding on 0 DANSbut significantly higher than dry seeding on later dates.Three hand hoeings gave significantly higher grain yieldthan herbicides. Rice seeding directly on 0, 7 and 14 DANSproduced similar grain yield under herbicides and threehand hoeings. Further delay in seeding significantly re-duced grain yield under herbicides as compared to handhoeings. REFERENCES Behera AK and Jena SN. 1998. Weed control in direct-seeded, rainfedupland rice ( Oryza sativa ). Indian Journal of Agronomy 43 :284–290.Gill MS, Kumar Ashwani and Kumar Pardeep. 2006. Growth andyield of rice (

Abstract: The existing herbicides recommended for weed control in soybean have shorter persistence and relatively narrow spectrum of weed control The herbicide imazethapyr is known to be very effective in controlling broad range of weeds including annual and perennial grasses for soybean and other legume crops (Patel et al 2009) Imazethapyr has been extensively applied because of their high herbicidal activity at low application rates and broad spectrum of weed control The present investigation aims to find the efficacy of imazethapyr in soybean and its residual effect on the succeeding sunflower and pearl millet followed by soybean

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at Pantnagar during winter season 2005–06 and 2006–07 to study effect of rates of herbicide mixture clodinafop-propargyl 15% + metsulfuron-methyl 1% (UPH-206) for control of mixed weed flora in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Grassy weeds such as Phalaris minor, Avena fatua and broad-leaved weeds, viz., Chenopodium album, Melilotus spp., Medicago denticulata, Vicia sativa, Rumex spp., Anagallis arvensis, Coronopus didymus, Lathyrus aphaca and Polygonum plebejum were effectively controlled by application of UPH-206 500 g product/ha. The highest grain yield (4.17 t/ha) of wheat was also obtained with the post-emergence application of UPH-206 500 g product/ha being at par with UPH-206 400 g product/ha, and hand weeding at 35 and 55 DAS, but significantly higher than sulfosulfuron, clodinafop and isoproturon at recommended rates. No residual effect of UPH 206 at any of doses tested was obtained on succeeding crops of blackgram and maize.

Abstract: Twelve treatments involving tank-mix combinations of atrazine and pendimethalin as pre-emergence followed by (fb) post emergence application of 2,4-D and metsulfuron methyl along with hand weeding twice (20 and 40 DAS) and untreated check were tested in maize during 2009 and 2010 at Palampur. Echinochloa colona, Panicum dichotomiflorum, Cyperus iria, Commelina benghalensis, Ageratum conyzoides, Digitaria sanguinalis and Polygonum alatum were the dominant weeds. Pendimethalin 1.50 kg/ha, atrazine fb atrazine 0.75 kg/ha, atrazine 0.75/1.0 + pendimethalin 0.75/0.50 fb metsulfuron methyl 4 g/ha effectively controlled Echinochloa colona. Atrazine fb atrazine brought about significant reduction in the count of Panicum dichotomiflorum up to 60 DAS. Pendimethalin fb atrazine, atrazine 1.0 + pendimethalin 0.50 fb 2, 4-D 0.75 kg/ha and hand weeding twice effectively reduced the population of Commelina up to 60 DAS. Pendimethalin/atrazine fb atrazine and atrazine + pendimethalin fb 2,4-D/ metsulfuron-methyl controlled Ageratum conyzoides up to 60 DAS. Pendimethalin/atrazine fb atrazine, atrazine + pendimethalin fb metsulfuron-methyl/2, 4-D and pendimethalin significantly reduced total weed dry weight. Atrazine 1.0 + pendimethalin 0.50 kg/ha (post) and atrazine 0.75 + pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha fb 2, 4-D gave significantly higher grain yield and net returns. Weeds reduced maize grain yield by 50.3%.

Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) considered as the queen of the cereals, is one of the most important crops next to rice and wheat in global agriculture. Though maize is under cultivation in India, production and productivity are comparatively less over temperate countries. It was due to many factors. However, the factor which causes drastic reduction in growth, development and yield of the maize is weed which accounts for 40% yield loss and even >70% yield loss under uncontrolled weed growth condition in maize. Weeds are controlled by many means. However, in the current scenario of agriculture, evolving ecofreindly approach of weed control is more advisable so as to protect the natural resources such as soil flora and fuana including human being and animals in a holistic manner.

Abstract: In the new alluvial soil of Navsari (Gujarat), a field experiment was conducted in Rabi season to study the yield, quality and post harvest life of onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. ‘Gujarat Onion White-1’ as affected by weed management and fertilizer levels during two conjunctive years of 2008–09 and 2009–10. Weed population were decreased significantly with application of pendimethalin 1 kg/ha or oxyfluorfen 0.24 kg/ha supplement with one hand weeding at 40 DAT during both the season of investigation. Echinochloa spp., Trianthema portulacastrum, Digera arvensis. Physalis minima. and Cynodon dactylon. were found as major weeds in experiment field. Further, pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha followed by one hand weeding produced higher onion bulb yield of 39.3, 36.6 and 38.0 t/ha during both years as well as in pooled, respectively and found at par with oxyflourfen 0.24 kg/ha + one hand weeding at 40 DAT and weed free treatments. In pooled, increasing fertilizer rate from 75% to 125% of RDF was found effective and the higher level of fertilizer (125% RDF) gave the highest bulb yield, which was 10.52 and 19.43% more than of the F2 and F1 levels respectively. Regarding post harvest life of bulbs, weight losses (%), black mould development (%) and sprouting (%) were remained unaffected by weed management and fertilizer levels except significantly higher weight losses (%) was observed under weed management treatment. On the basis of interaction, it is inferred that the treatment combination of (pendimethalin 1 kg/ha fb one hand weeding at 40 days after transplanting supplement with 100% RDF) found most appropriate (39.86 t/ha) and profitable not only to secure the net return of 2,69,422/ha with 7.85 BCR per unit cost of onion production but also save 25% of fertilizer.

Abstract: In this study, response of 20 Phalaris minor Retz. (little seed canary grass) populations against sulfosulfuron and its ready–mix formulation sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron and mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron was studied. Out of 20 populations, 12 showed high resistance, 8 showed medium resitance and none were susceptible to sulfosulfuron (25 g/ha). GR50 value was in the range of 30–110 g/ha in P. minor populations tested. In wheat, it was more than 200 g/ha. Eleven populations showed resistance to ready mix formulation of sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron, 8 populations were medium R/medium S and one population was susceptible. Similarly, 11 showed resistance to ready mix formulation of mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron, 7 populations were medium R/medium S and one biotype was susceptible. GR50 values tested were in the range of 30–110 g/ha in contrast to 5 g/ha at the time of recommendation.

Abstract: In the 21 century along with population pressure, the scarcity of agricultural land, water and shortage of labour maintained pressure for a shift towards direct seeding methods in rice cultivation (Mortimer et al. 2005). Aerobic rice systems, wherein the crop is established through direct seeding in non-puddled, non-flooded fields, are among the most promising approaches for saving water (Bhushan et al. 2007). Weeds pose a serious threat to the direct seeded aerobic rice by competing for nutrients, light, space and moisture throughout the growing season (Hussain et al. 2008). Samar Singh et al. (2008a) reported that in aerobic direct seeded rice, loss of grain yield due to weed competition ranged from 38 to 92%. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to find out the efficacy of new generation herbicides for broad-spectrum weed control over traditional recommended herbicide in aerobic rice.

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted in an Alfisol to study the degradation of butachlor and its residues in paddy grain during Rabi and Kharif seasons of 2007–08 at College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar. Butachlor dissipated with half life varying from 12.5 to 21.5 days when applied at the rate of 1.0 and 2.0 kg/ha under with and without organic manures conditions. The observed half life values were lower for lower dose of applied herbicide as compared to higher dose and the field half life of butachlor was more under without organic manures as compared to organic manures applied plots. Residues of butachlor in field soil were analysed by using gas chromatograph and 100% dissipation of butachlor was observed at the time of harvest of crop. Very low levels of residues were detected in rice grain below the maximum residue limit of 0.5 mg/kg. Therefore, application of butachlor in paddy for weed management can be considered safe from the point of consumption of grain.

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted to study the effect on weeds and crop yield under maize + blackgram intercropping system at Raipur during 2004 and 2005. Treatments consisted of five planting geometry viz., sole maize, sole blackgram, maize + blackgram (1:1), maize + blackgram (2:1) and maize + blackgram (2:2) and four weed management practices viz., weedy check, hand weeding (HW) at 30 DAS, alachlor 2.0 kg/ha as pre-emergence and alachlor 1.5 kg/ha as pre-emergence + HW at 40 DAS. Grain yield, productivity rating index (PRI), production efficiency (PE) and weed-control efficiency (WCE) were the highest under maize + blackgram (2:1) for maize. However, weed smothering efficiency of maize was highest under maize + blackgram (1:1). At harvest of blackgram (75 DAS) and maize (105 DAS), the dry weight of weeds were the lowest with alachlor 1.5 kg/ha + HW at 40 DAS. This treatment produced maximum grain yield, PRI and PE of maize and blackgram.

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at Ludhiana during 2009–10 and 2010–11, study the effect of sowing methods and herbicides on weed dynamics and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Sowing methods, viz. bed planting, zero till, conventional till and stubbled sowing did not influence densities and dry matter accumulation of narrow-and broad-leaved weeds. Averaged over two seasons, bed planting, zero till and conventional till sowing methods recorded similar wheat grain yield and were statistically superior to stubbed sowing. Wheat grain yield under bed planting, zero till and conventional till methods was 25.4, 46.2 and 40.8% higher as compared to stubbled sowing. Among weed control, post-emergence application of carfentrazone + sulfosulfuron 45 g, metsulfuron + sulfosulfuron 30 g and fenoxaprop-pethyl + metribuzin 275 g/ha recorded complete control of all the narrow-and broad-leaved weeds. Mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron 12 g, sulfosulfuron 25 g, pinoxaden 50 g and clodinafop 60 g/ha recorded effective control of narrow-leaved weeds only. All these herbicidal treatments, except fenoxaprop-p-ethyl + metribuzin 275 g/ha, recorded significantly higher wheat grain yield as compared to unsprayed control. Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl + metribuzin was phototoxic to wheat plants and wheat grain yield was at par to weedy check.

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2006 and 2007 at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar to find out the most effective weed control method under different sowing dates in direct-seeded unpuddled rice. Highest grain yield (2.5–2.7 t/ha) was recorded from 20 June sowing. The grain yield was the highest in mechanical weedings at 20 and 40 DAS. Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + anilophos 0.4 kg/ha (pre-emergence) produced significantly higher grain yield (3.1–3.3 t/ha) over rest of the herbicidal treatments. Uncontrolled weeds reduced the grain yield of rice by 67–70%.

Abstract: Weeds are self grown plants which appear simultaneously with crop plant and result in intense crop-weed competition and cause reduction in yield varying from 2771% depending upon type and intensity of weeds and their time of occurrence. Effective weed management requires knowledge of weed seed bank dynamics, germination pattern and environmental conditions suitable for seedling emergence (Fraud-William et al. 1984). Weed seed bank affects the weed flora and its density because of the good relationship between the weed flora and the weed seed bank in the soil (Sousa et al. 2003). Soil solarization is a special technique in which moist soil is covered by polyethylene (PE) film and heated by solar radiation for several weeks. Northern India has high air temperature in summer therefore high soil temperature (50-600C) can be developed in soil covered with transparent polyethylene sheets (Kumar et al. 1993). A field experiment was done to asses the effectiveness of soil solarization for a period of 45 days on weed dynamics in pearl millet-wheat cropping system

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during 2010–11 and 2011–12 to evaluate the efficacy of pinoxaden alone and in combination with other herbicides against complex weed flora in wheat. Pinoxaden 50 g/ha alone and as tank mixture with and before metsulfuron-methyl 4 g/ha, carfentrazone-ethyl 20 g/ha and 2,4-D 500 g/ha was compared to isoproturon + 2,4-D, clodinafop fb 2,4-D, weed free and weedy check for weed control and grain yield. Phalaris minor and Anagallis arvensis were the major weeds constituting 59.1 and 20.8% of the total weed population during 2010–11 and 67.6 and 16.9% during 2011–12, respectively. Avena ludovician, Lolium temulentum, Poa annua and Vicia sativa were the other important weeds found in association with wheat. Weeds reduced grain yield of wheat by 39.5%. Pinoxaden + metsulfuron-methyl (50 + 4 g/ha) and pinoxaden fb metsulfuron-methyl (50 fb 4 g/ha) were comparable to weed free treatment in reducing the density of Phalaris minor and Anagallis arvensis. Pinoxaden alone was not effective against broad-leaved weeds, while carfentrazone, metsulfuron-methyl and 2,4-D were not effective against grasses. Combined application of pinoxaden with metsulfuron-methyl/carfentrazone (as tank mixed or as followed by) resulted in significantly lower total weed density and weed biomass. Combined application of pinoxaden with metsulfuron-methyl, carfentrazone and 2,4-D resulted in significantly higher tillers, grains/spike and 1000-seed weight and grain yield as comparable to in weed free.

Abstract: India is the world’s largest producer of sesame accounting nearly 35% of the total production but its productivity is extremely low (368 kg/ha). Weed management appears to be one of the major constraints for such low productivity. Weed competes with crop plants for resources i.e. water, light, space and nutrients etc. causing reduction in yield and economic return. Sesame being a rainy season and slow growing crop during early stage, provide ample opportunities for weed infestation. NPK efficiency may also be improved by adopting suitable weed management practices. Chemical weed control is time saving, easier, economical and can be adopted timely, particularly where scarcity of agricultural labours exists during important field operations as compared to manual weeding (Brar and Mehra 1989). As the information on these aspects is lacking under the semi arid conditions of northern M.P., a study was carried out on sesame crop to find out most suitable and economical method of weed control for higher production and economic returns.

Abstract: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a staple cereal grown during both rainy (Kharif) and post-rainy (Rabi) seasons in the semi-arid and arid parts of India on marginal and least fertile soils where only few other crop can survive. Weeds are a major deterrent in increasing the sorghum productivity, especially during rainy season due to wider row spacing, slow initial crop growth rate, and congenial weather conditions for weed growth. Sorghum is mostly grown in rainfed areas, where soil moisture and nutrients are the most limiting factors. Weeds compete with sorghum for light, soil moisture and nutrients (Burnside and Wicks 1969, Smith et al. 1990) and reduce the grain yield by 15 to 83% depending on crop cultivars, nature and intensity of weeds, spacing, duration of weed infestation and environmental conditions (Mishra 1997, Stahlman and Wicks 2000). Therefore, appropriate weed management would help to improve sorghum productivity and input use-efficiency. Presently atrazine as preemergence is the most widely used herbicide for weed control in grain sorghum. However, as sorghum is grown in moisture stress conditions, lack of soil moisture may decrease the efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides. There is no effective post-emergence herbicide for broadspectrum weed control in sorghum. The present experiment was therefore conducted to evaluate new herbicides for weed control and crop safety in grain sorghum.

Abstract: The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of weed management practices on weeds as well as crop growth and yield parameters of brinjal along with the economics of weed management during winter season of 2009–10 at the Department of Horticulture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur. It was observed that the weed Parthenium hysterophorus dominated the experimental field. All the weed management treatments significantly reduced the dry matter of weeds and increased fruit yield of the crop significantly over unweeded check. Among the treatments, pendimethalin (Extra) (0.64 kg/ha) pre-transplanting + one hand weeding at 40 DAT + pendimethalin (Extra) (0.64 kg/ha) at 45 DAT as postemergence resulted in better performance followed by pendimethalin (1.0 kg/ha) pre-transplanting + one hand weeding at 45 DAT with respect to growth and yield parameters due to effective weed management in brinjal. Maximum benefit: cost ratio was also obtained with pendimethalin (extra) (0.64 kg/ha) pretransplanting + one hand weeding at 40 DAT + pendimethalin (Extra) (0.64 kg/ha) at 45 DAT.

Abstract: A field experiment was carried out during Rabi season from 2007–2010 at Chatha, Jammu to find out relative efficiency of weed management practices in gladiolus (Tagets erecta L.). Result revealed significant enhancement in spike yield with 2 hand weedings at 20 and 40 days after transplanting (6.05 t/ha) and pendimethalin 2 kg/ha + 1 hand weeding (5.79 t/ha), both of which were superior to weedy check (3.25 t/ha). The highest weed control efficiency (78.2%) was also achieved with 2 hand weedings, followed by pendimethalin + hand weding 76.9%). Application of pendimethalin along with hand weeding proved to be economical.

Abstract: Planting of 10 or 15 days old seedlings did not differed significantly on grain yield of rice. Among weed management practices SRI method of planting with four times cono-weeding at 10 days interval starting from 10 days after transplanting recorded significantly higher grain yield (6003 kg/ha) and was found effective in weed control. However, pre-emergence application of butachlor + one hand weeding at 20 DAT was equally effective alternative weed control in SRI method of cultivation.

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during Rabi seasons of 2006–07 and 2007–08 at Research Farm of GBPUA&T, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Dhakrani, Dehradun to study the effect of weed control practices on weed dyanamics, nutrient uptake and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori and Paol). Results revealed that application of clodinafop-propargyl + metsulfuron-methyl (60+4 g/ha) being on at par with clodinafop propargyl + 2,4-D (60+500 g/ha) reduced the weed population significantly over weedy check (97.2%) and other weed control treatments. Clodinafop-propargyl + metsulfuron-methyl (60+4 g/ha) applied as post-emergence (35 DAS) recorded 14.3, 15.5, 23.7, 29.5, 45.9, 47.4 and 69.7 per cent more grain yield over pendimethalin, isoproturon + metsulfosulfuron-methyl, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl + metsulfuron-methyl, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, isoproturon, clodinafop-propargyl and weedy check, respectively. The weeds removed the 28.7 kg of N, 13.4 kg P2O5 and 21.5 kg of K2O/ha, and reduced the wheat grain yield by 78.8% as compare to weed free conditions. Application of clodinafop-propargyl + metsulfuron-methyl reduced the nutrients removal by weeds and increased its removal by wheat.

Abstract: A field experiment was carried out for two consecutive years during Kharif seasons of 2010 and 2011 to find out practically convenient and economically feasible weed management practice in onion at breeder seed production farm in Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri. Different combinations of hand weeding with application of Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha (pre-planting) and oxyfluorfen 0.250 kg/ha (post-emergence) were used in onion variety ‘Baswant-780’. Weed free check treatment (three hand weeding at 20, 40 and 60 DAS) recorded significantly lowest weed density, dry weight of weed and higher weed control efficiency. All the growth attributes of onion viz., plant height, neck thickness, bulb weight and bulb diameter were recorded maximum in weed free. This treatment also recorded highest bulb yield and gross monetary return per hectare, however maximum B:C ratio was observed in treatment pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha (PP)+ Oxyfluorfen 0.250 kg/ha (POE)+ One hand wedding at 40 DAS.

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted during 2004–06 at Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala to find out the effect of concurrent growing of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) and its methods of incorporation on weed management in wet seeded rice. Sowing of rice and dhaincha was done in alternate rows using the rice-cum-green manure seeder. Treatments consisted of incorporation of dhaincha at 20 and 30 days after sowing (DAS) by using cono weeder, spraying 2, 4-D 1.0 kg/ha, and metsulfuronmethyl 5.0 g/ha. Two levels of N (100 and 75% of recommended dose of 90 kg N/ha) were superimposed. Rice alone with 5 t/ha FYM and recommended dose of 90-45-45 kg N-P-K/ha was taken as control. Concurrent growing of dhaincha and its incorporation at 30 DAS resulted in a weed suppression of 70% with an yield enhancement to the tune of 0.840 t/ha and increased profitability of 12520/ha). Application of 2,4–D resulted in maximum reduction of weeds without any adverse effect on rice. Nitrogen at different levels had no significant influence of weed incidence.