Weed management for enhancing yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in Eastern India

Abstract

Weed menace is very prominent in wheat sown after the harvesting of rice in rice-wheat cropping system. An experiment involving four crop establishment methods and six weed management practices was undertaken in a split-plot design with three replications at the Research Farm of Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. The residue-based crop establishment methods were found most effective in minimising density and dry weight of weeds. Besides minimising weeds, the residue-based crop establishment methods also proved better for yield attributes, yield and gross returns. Among different herbicidal treatments, the mix application of mesosulfuron+ iodosulfuron adjudged superior recorded lowest density and dry weight of weeds with highest yield attributes, grain and straw yield (3854 and 5592 kg/ha) and economics attributes. Based on the obtained results, it is said in the conclusion that residue-based crop establishment methods and mix application of mesosulfliron+iodosulfuron was best in managing weed and enhancing yield and economics of wheat in the eastern India.