Effect of weed management on weed dynamics, crop growth, fodder yield and economics of fodder maize (Zea mays L.) African tall under Chhattisgarh condition

Abstract

Fodder maize is palatable and nutritious which can be fed as green or dry and makes excellent silage. But it is heavily infested with weeds which often inflicts huge yield and quality losses. A field experiment was conducted at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur during Kharif 2017. Results showed that the lowest weed density and dry weight was recorded in tank mix application of atrazine 750 g + pendimethalin 750 g ha-1 as pre emergence followed by hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 days after sowing and topramezone 35 g + atrazine 250 g ha-1 as post emergence. These herbicides also recorded higher weed control efficiency (93-95%) and the lowest weed index (1-2%). Highest green and dry fodder yield were also obtained with the tank mix application of atrazine 750 g + pendimethalin 750 g ha-1 as pre emergence followed by hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 days after sowing and topramezone 35 g + atrazine 250 g ha-1 as post emergence. Similarly, crude protein yield was also highest under these combinations. Among herbicides, the highest net returns (Rs 41768 ha-1) and benefit: cost ratio (2.68) were also highest with tank mix application of atrazine 750 g + pendimethalin 750 g ha-1 as pre emergence followed by hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 days after sowing and topramezone 35 g + atrazine 250 g ha-1 as post emergence. Thus, this study suggests tank-mixed herbicide application for better weed control in fodder maize rather than their sole application. These combinations of herbicides may be the alternative of manual weeding.