Influence of Weed Management Practices on Weed Parameters and Economics of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) under NE Ghats Zone of Odisha, India

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of different weed management practices in mustard (Brassica juncea L.) and assess their impact on weed suppression, yield, and economic returns. Weeds compete with crop plants for water, space, light and nutrients. Weeds also impair the quality of produce and various kinds of health and environmental hazards. To improve the growth and yield of mustard, timely and proper control of weeds is indispensable. The study was carried out during Rabi 2022–23 at Instructional farm-1, School of Agriculture, GIET University, Gunupur, Odisha. The soil at the experimental site had sandy loam texture with a pH of 6.4. It contained 0.52 % organic carbon and had available nutrient levels of 120 kg ha⁻¹ for nitrogen, 6.5 kg ha⁻¹ for phosphorus (P₂O₅), and 108.5 kg ha⁻¹ for potassium (K₂O). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications and eight treatments. Results revealed that among different treatments, higher growth parameters, fewer weed populations, dry matter, and yield characteristics have been seen with spraying of oxyfluorfen 23.5 EC @0.05 kg a.i/ha at 0-2 DAS + one HW at 40 DAS (T5), followed by T4 (Pendimethalin 30 EC @0.75kg a.i/ha at 0-2 DAS + one HW at 40 DAS). Similarly, T5 (Oxyfluorfen 23.5 EC @0.05 kg a.i/ha at 0- 2 DAS) had the highest B:C ratio, whereas T8 (weedy check) had the lowest. The most effective method of controlling weeds in mustard is found to be oxyfluorfen 23.5 EC @0.05kg a.i/ha at 0-2 DAS + one HW at 40 DAS (T5) for this study. It is hypothesized that a combination of pre-emergence herbicide application and manual weeding will result in the highest yield and economic returns.