Performance evaluation of quality protein hybrid maize under different planting and weed control methods

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy research farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana during kharif 2012. Three main plot treatments and six sub plot treatments were tested using a split plot design with four replications. In main plots, three planting methods namely Conventional Tillage (CT), Zero Tillage (ZT) and Furrow Irrigated Raised Bed System (FIRBS) were evaluated. In the sub-plots, the evaluation encompassed three pre-emergence herbicides atrazine @ 750 g/ha, atrazine @ 500 g/ha + hand weeding at 35 DAS and pendimethalin @ 1000 g/ha. Additionally postemergence herbicides., tembotrione (Laudis 42% SC) @ 120 g /ha + S 1000 ml/ha (10-15 DAS/2-4 leaf stage) were compared with weed free and weedy check conditions. Important weed species observed in the experimental plots were Cyperus rotundus, Echinochloa colona, Trianthema portulacastrum and Digera arvensis. Application of atrazine (750 g/ha) recorded significantly reduced weed population and weed dry weight. This treatment also exhibited higher weed control efficiency and resulted in improved crop growth and higher crop yields. Whereas, in planting methods, zero tillage recorded lowest weed population, dry weight of weeds and higher weed control efficiency with higher crop growth and crop yield. Pre-emergence application of atrazine (750 g/ ha) under zero tillage was found effective for controlling weeds with higher crop yield in kharif maize.