Effect of Weed Management Practices on Weed Control Efficiency and Productivity of Rapeseed-mustard: A Review

Abstract

This study was designed for investigate the weed flora in rapeseed-mustard fields and evaluate the effectiveness of various weed management strategies to enhance crop yield and productivity. Mustard fields are infested by a diverse range of weed species, including annual, biennial and perennial, which compete with crops for essential resources, leading to significant yield loss. The key grassy weeds identified include Avena ludoviciana, Cynodon dactylon and Phalaris minor, while the notable broad-leaved weeds include Chenopodium album, Anagallis arvensis and Melilotus alba. The critical period for weed competition in mustard lies between 20 and 40 days after sowing. Literature about the different weed management practices including; cultural, mechanical and chemical methods was studied. It was found that chemical herbicides such as pendimethalin, oxadiargyl, isoproturon, clodinafop and oxyfluorfen showed significant efficacy in controlling weed population and also improving the crop yield. Mechanical methods, though labor-intensive, were also effective particularly when combined with chemical treatments. Integrated weed management (IWM) approaches which combine multiple strategies were found to be the most effective in maintaining weed population, crop health and productivity.