Weed Management in Aerobic Rice Cultivation in South Gujarat, India

Abstract

The experiment entitled Weed management in aerobic rice cultivation in South Gujarat India was conducted during kharif seasons of 2020-2022 at the Main Rice Research Centre, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that total weed population-grasses, sedges and broad leaved weed and dry weed biomass was affected by different weed management practices as compared to unweeded practices. Total weed population and dry weed biomass were significantly recorded lower with weed free practices but it was remained at par with mechanical weed management practices. Weed index was found lower with weed free practices followed by mechanical weeding. Weed control efficiency was recorded higher under weed free treatment followed by mechanical weeding as compared to rest of the weed management treatments. Yield attributes like panicle/m2, panicle weight; grain and straw yield of rice were recorded significantly higher with weed free treatment but it was at par with mechanical weeding. Thus, among different weed management practices, mechanical weeding method found sustainable, efficient and eco-friendly in aerobic system for rice production.