Title: Managing allelopathic weeds in wheat cultivars: Strategies for arid conditions in D.I. Khan, KP, Pakistan
Abstract:
Weeds are the major pest in achieving higher yield of any crop. Yield losses have been reported from 5-100% indifferent crops by weeds. To study the effect of weed management practices on weed control in wheat, an experiment was conducted at Agriculture Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, D. I. Khan, for the year 2019-20 and 2020-21. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The factor included in the experiment were varieties (Bakhtawar-92, Galaxi-13 and Fakhar-e-Bhakhar) being assigned to main plots while herbicides such as broad spectrum herbicide, (2,4-D 72 EC+ Isoproturon 75 WP @623 and 649 g a.i. ha-1, respectively). Broad leaf herbicide, (2,4-D 72 EC @ 711 g a.i. ha-1), grasses weeds herbicide, (Isoproturon 75 WP @968 g a.i. ha-1), and weedy check (no herbicide) were applied in sub plots. The experiment was planted on 15 November in both years at Dera Ismail Khan. Data were recorded on weed density and some Agronomic, morphological and physiological traits of wheat. The data for the individual trait were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means were separated by LSD. Variety Fakhar-e-Bhakhar was more productive and profitable than Bakhtawar-92 and Galaxi-13. It’s produced higher number of tillers m-2 (6% and 13%) grain yield (5% and 10%) over Galaxi-13 and Bakhtawar-92 respectively. The plots sown to Fakhar-e-Bhakhar, which is tallest and has vigorous early growth had lesser number of grasses and broad leaves weeds than other varieties. The application of broad spectrum herbicide consistently controlled both grasses and broad leaf weeds in all varieties. The increase in number of tillers m-2 (17%), number of productive tillers m-2 (18%), spikelet’s spike-1 (5%), 1000 grain weight (4%), biological yield (19%), grain yield (21%), straw yield (18%), harvest index (11%), and net profit (32%), over weedy check was due to application of broad spectrum herbicide, which controlled both grasses and broad leaf weeds. The interaction effect of broad spectrum herbicide with variety Fakhar-e-Bhakhar produced significantly higher grain yield (24%).
In the light of findings, it is suggested that for the weed management in wheat, the broad spectrum herbicide may be useful and beneficial treatment to obtain maximum output.
Key words: Weeds, Management, Wheat, Cultivars, Herbicides, Grain yield.
