Competence of Different Selective Herbicides for Weed Control and Productivity of Wheat in Central Telangana Zone, India

Aim: To study the effectiveness of seven (07) herbicides for the control of weeds in wheat crop.

Study Design: Randomized Block Design.

Place and Duration of Study: A field study was executed in the rabi seasons, 2014-15 to 2016-17 at Agricultural Research Station, Basanthpur, Telangana.

Methodology: New molecules of herbicides were tested in different combinations and compared with the traditional weed control practice through the weed parameters viz., weed density, weed dry matter, weed index and weed persistence index. The performance of wheat crop in terms of grain yield and cost economics were noted to attest the efficiency of different herbicide treatments.

Results: Based on the results, the pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 3.0 l ha-1 and a hand weeding at 45 DAS is advised to obtain maximum grain yield while the post emergence application of clodinafop propargyl @ 60 g a.i. ha-1 + metsulfuron methyl @ 4 g a.i. ha-1 at 3 leaf stage of weed is recommended for higher economic benefits.

Conclusion: Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 3.0 l ha-1 followed by a hand weeding at 45 DAS can be recommended for higher wheat crop grain yield. And in case of labour shortage, one post emergence application of Clodinafop propargyl @ 60 g a.i./ha + metsulfuron methyl @ 4g a.i./ha at 3 leaf stage of weed i.e., at 25 DAS of wheat crop can be the cost-effective weed management practice in the wheat crop.