Effect of different weed management practices on yield and economics of mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. and Coss.)

Abstract

Mustard is one of the most substantial oilseed crop of global economic importance. It belongs to the family Cruciferae. Among the seven edible oilseeds cultivated in India, it is the 2nd major oilseed crop of India. One of the main causes of Indian mustard's low production is weed competition with the crop for resources including light, space, moisture, and nutrients. Therefore, experiment was conducted on weed management strategies in mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.) during Rabi-2023-24 at Agronomy farm, College of Agriculture, Nagpur. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten treatments replicated thrice. Results revealed that, Among the treatments Pendimethalin 38.7 CS @ 0.75 kg a.i ha-1 (PE) fb straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 at 30 DAS (T10) registered highest growth, yield attributes, GMR, NMR and B:C ratio followed by Pendimethalin 30 EC @ 1.0 kg a.i ha-1 (PE) fb straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 at 30 DAS (T9).