Effect of Pre-and Post-Emergence Herbicides Application on Weed Flora, Yield, and Economics in Kharif Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Nowadays labor charges have significantly increased the production cost of maize in India. Hence, to overcome this problem a field experiment entitled “Effect of pre-and post-emergence herbicides on weed flora, yield and economics in Kharif maize (Zea mays L.)” was conducted at Crop Research Center, ITM University, Gwalior during the Kharif season of 2021. The texture of the experimental field was sandy loam, having a pH of 7.6, organic carbon of 0.34, and available N, P2O5, and K2O of 164, 19.6 and 416.7 kg/ha, respectively. The field experiment was laid out in RBD (Randomized Block Design) with nine treatments and three replications. The results showed that among the herbicide treatments a significant reduction in the total weed density and dry matter of different weed flora were recorded with Atrazine 50% WP 1000 g/ha PE fb Topramezone 33.6% SC 25.2 g/ha POE, and found at par with Metribuzin 70% WP 400 g/ha fb Topramezone 33.6% SC 25.2 g/ha. Concerning the yield of maize, Atrazine 50% WP PE fb Topramezone 33.6% SC POE 1000 fb 25.2 g/ha, recorded significantly higher values of grain yield and stover yield of maize, as compared to other herbicide treatments. It may be concluded that Atrazine 50% WP1000 g/ha PE fb Topramezone 33.6% SC 25.2 g/ha POE, recorded highest WCE (91.25%) and superior with respect to grain yield of maize (5365 kg/ha) and economics (Net return Rs. 84377 and BCR Rs. 2.36) over all the weed control treatments.