Study on weed management practices in rice - A review

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the principal food for more than 50% people and contributes about one-fifth to the total calories consumption of the world. In recent years, rice production has increased with the introduction of high yielding varieties, but their maximum yield potential has not been fully realized owing to improper weed management. Weed management is an important key factor in obtaining higher crop yield. Unchecked weed growth causes a reduction in grain yield by about 30- 36% in transplanted rice. Weeds compete for an adequate supply of the nutrients, moisture, light and the growing space. Successful weed management for rice more important to exploit its maximum production potential. These weeds could be controlled through cultural, manual, mechanical and chemical methods. Cultural, Manual and Mechanical methods are though very common but cost intensive. Herbicides when applied alone is although economical but may have limitation of resistance development, shift in weed flora etc. Therefore, presently there is a need to use high efficacy herbicides in combination coupled with broad spectrum nature to control the complex weed flora in transplanted rice Also, the combination of herbicides increase the range of weed control, save time and reduce the cost of cultivation.