Study of chemical properties and growth parameters of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern and Coss.] influenced by application of herbicides and fertilizers

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted at research farm, RARI, Durgapura for two consecutive years during rabi seasons 2014-15 and 2015-16 on loamy sand soil. The twenty four treatment combinations consisting of 3 fertility levels {100% RDF; 100% RDF+K+Zn and 125% (RDF+K +Zn)} and 8 herbicides (Weedy check, Weed free, Pendimethalin 30 EC, Pendimethalin 38.7 CS, Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl 10 WP, Oxydiargyl 6 EC, Propaquizafop 10% EC and Fluazifop-p-butyl 13.4% EC were tested in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Results showed that, after weed free, the lowest total weed density was recorded under pendimethalin 38.7 CS pre-emergence @ 750 g a.i./ha DAS which was found at par with Pendimethalin 30 EC pre-emergence @ 750 g a.i./ at 90 DAS. Plant height and number of branches per plant at 90 DAS increases with increase in fertility levels. So, the maximum pooled plant height and number of branches per plant were recorded in 125% (RDF + K + Zn) treatment. Plant height of all the treatments were significantly superior over pyrazosulfuron-ethyl 10 WP pre-emergence @ 150 g a.i./ha treatment at 90 DAS. There was no significant variation in plant height was recorded in between other herbicidal treatments at 90 DAS. It was found that, due to herbicides, no significant variation in potassium content in mustard seed and stover was recorded, but fertility levels in mustard significantly increased potassium content in mustard seed and stover. It was recorded that application of 125% (RDF + K + Zn) significantly increased the potassium content in mustard seed and stover.