Response of Herbicide and Post Emergence Herbicide Applicator on Growth and Root Parameters of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Abstract

Chickpea is a major pulse crop in India, but its productivity is hampered by severe weed infestation during the early growth stages. Manual weeding, though traditional, is labor-intensive, uneconomical, and often delayed, highlighting the need for effective chemical and mechanical solutions. A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2024–25 at the Agronomy Farm, R.S.M. (P.G.) College, Dhampur (Bijnor), to assess the impact of herbicide and herbicides applicator on chickpea growth and root parameters. The trial followed a randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications, integrating pre- and post-emergence herbicides with and without mechanical applicator. Results showed significant differences in weed control efficiency, growth attributes, and yield. The weed-free treatment (T6) recorded the superior growth parameters. Among herbicidal options, pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @1 kg a.i. ha-1 fb imazethapyr @ 60 g a.i. ha⁻¹ applied with an inter-row applicator achieved maximum plant height, number of branches, root dry and fresh weight. Overall, integrating herbicide application with a mechanical applicator proved cost-effective, and sustainable for chickpea weed management.