Effect of Weed Management Approaches on Leaf Nutrient and Chlorophyll Content in Apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) Nursery Plants Raised on Clonal Rootstock

The present study aimed to determine the effects of various weed management approaches on the leaf nutrient and chlorophyll content in apple nursery plants raised on clonal rootstock M9-T337. Weed management approaches evaluated consisted of seven treatments viz; manual weeding, pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. ha-1, pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. ha-1 + manual weeding, paddy straw mulch-6 cm thick, black polyethylene mulch-200 micron, weed-free and weedy check laid out in randomized compelete block design and replicated thrice. Data on the leaf nutrients (Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and chlorophyll content in leaves were recorded. Weed control treatments significantly influenced the leaf nutrient status of apple nursery plants. Significantly higher content of leaf nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as well as chlorophyll content were recorded with paddy straw mulch but were at par with black polyethylene much treatment. In conclusion, weed management through paddy straw mulch was found to be beneficial for higher leaf nutrient and chlorophyll content in grafted apple nursery plants.