Efficacy of Sorgaab as Natural Weed Inhibitor in Raya

Abstract

Sorgaab (water extract of mature Sorghum bicolor plants) was evaluated for its effect on weeds in Raya crop and it was compared with commonly employed weed control practices i.e hand weeding and a herbicide-pendimethalin in a field trial during 1998. Results revealed that Spraying of sorgaab at 15, 30 and 45 Days After Sowing (DAS) reduced dry weight of all weeds by 45-85% while herbicidal treatment reduced dry weight by 45%. The yield of Raya crop was significantly enhanced (33-58 96) with sorgaab over control. Hand weedings (one and two) at 15+30 DAS increased Raya seed yield by 40-72% while herbicidal treatment improved the seed yield by 26% and was uneconomical due to higher cost as compared with one, two and three sprays of sorgaab.