Effect of Planting Methods and Weed Control Treatments on Weed Dynamics, Yield and Economics of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Gwalior (M.P.), during the 2019 kharif season to investigate the effects of different planting methods and weed control treatments on the weeds, growth, yield, and economics of green gram. The field experiment followed a split-plot design with three planting methods as main plot treatments (broadcasting on a flat bed, line sowing on a flat bed, and ridge and furrow) and five weed management practices as sub-plot treatments (Pendimethalin 1000 g/ha, Diclosulam 26 g/ha, Imazethapyr 75 g/ha, hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS and weedy check), replicated thrice. The experimental field was primarily infested with narrow-leaved weeds such as Cyperus rotundus, Cynodon dactylon, Echinochloa spp., and Dactyloctenium aegyptium, and broad-leaved weeds like Digera arvensis, Celosia argentea, Commelina benghalensis, and Phyllanthus niruri. Among the herbicidal treatments, Imazethapyr at 75 g/ha effectively controlled both narrow-leaved and broad-leaved weeds, resulting in the lowest weed index. The ridge and furrow planting method recorded the highest values in growth parameters, yield attributes, and seed yield, proving to be more remunerative compared to other methods. These findings indicate that the combination of ridge and furrow planting with effective weed management, particularly using Imazethapyr, optimizes green gram productivity and economic returns.