Effect of Different Herbicides on the Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Wheat, a critical crop for global food security, faces significant challenges from weed infestation, which can drastically reduce yields. This study, conducted over two years at Sri Durga Ji P.G. College in Chandeswar, Azamgarh, U.P., investigated the efficacy of various herbicide treatments on the growth and yield of wheat using a Randomized Block Design. Key treatments included a weed-free control (T12), combinations of Sulfosulfuron with Metsulfuron (T2), and Pendimethalin with hand weeding (T10). The study found that comprehensive weed management strategies, particularly those combining multiple herbicides, significantly enhanced spike density, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, and overall grain yield. While the weed-free condition consistently showed the highest growth parameters and economic returns, it also incurred the highest cultivation costs. Conversely, the weedy check (T11) demonstrated the detrimental effects of uncontrolled weeds, showing the lowest growth and yield. Overall, effective herbicide management not only improves wheat productivity but also contributes to economic returns, underscoring the need for meticulous weed control in wheat cultivation.