Introduction to major field crops (1+1)

Weed Management

Weeds emerge with the crop and if not controlled in the early stages of crop growth they may cause reduction in yield. First 30 to 40 days are regarded highly critical for crop-weed competition.

The major dicot weeds like Chenapodium album, Melilotusalba, Circiumarvense and monocot weeds like Phalaris minor, Avenafatua, Cyperusrotundus, Cynadondactylon are most commonly found in wheat fields.

Generally weeds are controlled by hand weeding with hoe or khurpi, etc. First hand weeding is done with the appearance of thick flush of weeds. Second hand weeding may be repeated after two weeks.

Pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin @1.0 kg/ha and post-emergence application of 2,4-D (ethyl ester) @ 0.3-0.4 kg/ha, Isoproturon, Metoxuron @1.0-1.5 kg/ha in 700-800 litres of water within 30-35 days after sowing effectively control broad spectrum of weeds in wheat. During initial growth stages, the morphological features ofPhalaris minor(little canary grass) andAvenafatua (wild oats) are closely resemble the traits of wheat seedlings. Therefore, it is difficult to recognize them during hand weeding. They can be controlled by post emergence application of Isoproturon, Metoxuron @1.0-1.5 kg/ha.

Fig: Weeding.