Weed control and sustainable rice production through rice intensification system and conventional practices of weed competition periods and age of transplanted seedlings

Abstract

Rice is an important cereal crop of global interest based on its daily uses. It was observed that the average yield of rice is low than its potential production due to the traditional growing techniques and weed intensification. Recently, the rice intensification system (RIS) has emerged as an alternative to the conventional rice cultivation system. A two-year field study was carried out to investigate the impact of seedling age (14, 21 & 28 days) and the weed competition periods (weedy check, 20, 40, 60, 80 DAT and weed-free throughout the growing season) in rice cultivated through RIS. Weedy check and weed-free for the growing season were kept as a control treatment. The results of our study revealed that a maximum dry weight (108.7 and 111.79 gm-2) and weeds density (101.7 and 110.6 plants m-2) of weed recorded in weedy check plot where 28 days old seedlings was transplanted while minimum dry weight (11.01 and 10.3 gm-2) and weeds density (9.7 and 10.9 m-2) were achieved in plots where 21 days old seedlings were transplanted and remain weed free. It was noted that weed density and weed dry biomass were gradually increased with increasing weed competition period at all ages of the rice seedling. Purple nutsedge (C. rotundus) exhibited maximum relative proportion in total weed’s density and dry biomass and also ranked first by weed summed dominance ratio (WSDR). Agronomic yield and yield contributing traits such as number of fertile tillers per hills (58.1 and 56.0), plant height (130.5 cm and 125.6 cm), kernels per plant (186.4 and 179.4), straw yield (7.8 t ha-1 and 7.5 t ha-1) and kernel yield (5.2 and 5.0 t ha-1) were maximum in plot that remained weed-free throughout the growing season with a seedlings age of 21 days during 2010 and 2011 respectively. Percent yield losses were minimum in plots with 21 days old seedling transplantation and at 20 days of weed competition period. Hence, present study concludes that 21 days old fine rice seedlings should be transplanted and weeds should be controlled within 20 DAT under SRI for effective weed control to avoid yield losses.

Phyto-Extract-Based Weed Management in Organic Sweet Corn: A Comparative Analysis

“…Chemical control, although prevalent, raises concerns due to excessive herbicide use, improper application techniques, and the repeated application of specific herbicide groups leading to undesirable shifts in weed populations [5,6]. Organic weed management become one of the options, which include mechanical weeding, cover cropping, crop rotation, modified sowing and planting methods, organic residue mulching, green manuring, reduced or zero tillage, soil solarization, hand weeding, intercropping and phyto-extract sprays [7,8]. These practices curtail weed seed germination and growth, thereby enhancing maize yield.…”

Effects of Herbicides and Nano Urea Mixture on Weeds, Yield Attributes and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum)

“…Wheat is a staple crop for many countries and is a significant source of dietary energy, protein and essential nutrients for a large portion of the global population [1, [2]. Weeds compete with wheat plants for resources such as sunlight, water, nutrients, and space, which can significantly impact crop growth and reduce yields if not properly managed [3,4]. The main biological constraint limiting the potential yield of any crop is weed [5].…”

Evaluation of Herbicides for the Management of Complex Weed Flora in French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under Mid Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India

“…"The wide usage of herbicides increases the chances of weed resistance and farmer's dependence. In addition to the resistance, the hazard caused by herbicides and their persistent toxic effect on the quality of all life aspects after reaching the action site are other major issues related to the chemical control" [11,12]. "Despite those several herbicide side effects, its use is extremely important in augmenting crop productivity to face all the necessities of food security and sustainability of human populations" [13].…”