Distribution of weed flora of wheat under rice-wheat cropping system in Western Plain Zone of U.P

Abstract

The rice-wheat cropping system is the most important agricultural production system in western plain zone of U.P. A survey of weed flora of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum astivum L.) crop in rice-wheat cropping system under western plain zone of U.P. was conducted, during Kharif & Rabi season of 2015-16 and 2016-17. Echinochloa crus galli, Echinochloa colona, Asteracantha longifilia and Cyperus difformis were highly associated in rice crop in all the districts. Echinochloa crus galli and Echinochloa colona was most dominant weed in all the districts. The highest R.D. 19.67% was recorded with Echinochloa crus galli followed by other like Cynodon dactylon, Eclipa prostrate and Monochoria vanginalis some other weeds i.e. Cyperus iria were found in Bulandshahr, Meerut and Saharanpur. Chenopdodium album, Saccharum spontanium, Vicia sativa, Anagallis avensis, Fumaria parviflora, Cypresus rotundus, Cynodon dacetylam, Lathyrus aphaca, Carthamus oxycantha, Melilotus alba, Conovolvulus arvensis, Phalaris minor and Avena ludoviciana were found highly associated with wheat crop in all districts. Phalaris minor was the most dominant weed in all district the average the relative density 24.75% followed by other Lathyrus aphaca, Chenopdodium album, Fumaria parviflora some other weed like Saccharum spontanium found in Baghpat, Bulandhsahr, G.B. Nagar and Saharanpur having heavy soil in cultivated and non-cultivated land. Under very severe infestations of weeds, the losses may go up to 25 to 80%