Effect of different weed management practices on weed control, yield and profitability in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production system

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Main Agricultural Research Station, Raichur during kharif, 2024 to study the effect of different weed management practices on growth, yield and economics of groundnut. The experiment was laid in RCBD with thirteen treatments and replicated thrice. The results revealed that application of diclosulam 84% WDG @ 31.25 g a.i. ha-1 as pre emergence fb propaquizafop 2.5% + imazethapyr 3.75% w/w ME @ 125 g a.i. ha-1 as post emergence at 18-20 DAS recorded higher weed control efficiency (89.53%) at 45 DAS, lower weed index (1.96%), significantly higher pod yield (2665 kg ha-1), oil yield (945 kg ha-1) and also resulted in higher gross returns (Rs. 1,50,737 ha-1), net returns (Rs. 81,152 ha-1) and BC ratio (2.17). However, application diclosulam 84% WDG @ 25.00 g a.i. ha-1 (PE) fb propaquizafop 2.5% + imazethapyr 3.75% w/w ME @ 125 g a.i. ha-1 (POE) at 18-20 DAS, application of pendimethalin 38.7% CS @ 677.25 g a.i. ha-1 (PE) fb propaquizafop 2.5% + imazethapyr 3.75% w/w ME @ 125 g a.i. ha-1 (POE) at 18-20 DAS and Intercultivation at 20 and 40 DAS fb one hand weeding at 30 DAS which were found on par with each other with respect to weed dynamics, yield and economics. Further, weedy check recorded higher total weed count, total dry weight of weeds, weed index and lower weed control efficiency, growth parameters, yield parameters, yield, quality parameters as well as net returns and BC ratio.