Performance of fenoxaprop p-ethyl and isoproturon for broad spectrum weed control in wheat

Abstract

Weeds are one of the most important factors that impose a great threat to crop yield. Wheat is infested with diverse type of weed flora as it is grown under various agroclimatic conditions, different cropping sequence, tillage and irrigation regimes. The yield losses due to weeds varied depending on the weed species, their density and environmental factors. Among weeds, Phalaris minor Retz is single most dominant grassy weed in northern Indian plains causing significant yield losses. For controlling weeds in wheat, growers mostly rely on herbicides due to cost and time effectiveness. Use of herbicide mixtures has been advocated on most effective strategy for avoidance and management of herbicide resistant weeds. In order to alleviate the weed infestation in wheat to evaluate the performance of fenoxaprop p-ethyl & isoproturon for broad spectrum weed control and yield of wheat during Rabi seasons of two years at Crop Research Centre, Pant Nagar, U.S. Nagar. The fenoxaprop p-ethyl alone 40,60,80 and 90 g a.i.ha-1 and tank mix combination of fenoxaprop p-ethyl 30,40 and 50 g a.i.ha-1 with isoproturon 500 g a.i.ha-1 as well as isoproturon 1000 g a.i.ha-1, weed free and weedy treatments. Tank mix combination of fenoxaprop p- ethyl 30, 40 and 50 g a.i.ha-1 with isoproturon 500 g a.i.ha-1 produce crop growth in term of dry matter, total weed population, plant height, grain: straw ratio, weed control efficiency and grain yield of wheat comparable with that of weed free condition and reduce crop weed competition.