Introduction to Major Field Crops

Weed Management

The most common weeds which grow in rapeseed and mustard are Chenopodium album, Conyolvulus arvensis, Meliotusalba, Cynodon dactylon, Physalis minima, Cirsium arvense and Cyperus rotundus.Weeds are negative factor in crop production. About 25-30 per cent loss is caused by weeds in rapeseed and mustard.To avoid nutrient, moisture and space competition, crops should be kept weed free up to 40-50 days stage. Thereafter weed growth is automatically suppressed by smothering effect of crop.

Weeds may be controlled by one intercultural operation with khurpi or hand hoe is very beneficial. This, besides creating soil mulch and thus reducing moisture loss through evaporation. Pre-plant incorporation of Fluchloralin at 0.75-1.0kg/ha or pre emergence application of Pendimethalin 0.5-1.5kg orOxyflurofen0.2-0.5kg or Oxadiazone1.0-1.5kg effectively control the weeds.