Weed Management in Pulses: A Review

Abstract

Pulses are the important crop after cereals and is the cheapest source of dietary protein. After the Green revolution, the production of pulses in India remain stagnant over the years due to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the various biotic stresses, weeds are the major one which causes severe yield loss in pulses. Due to initial slow growth of pulses, weeds emerge first and gain competitive advantage over the crop and exhibit smothering effect on crop. Moreover, major area of pulses (84 per cent) are under rainfed condition and grown in combination with non-legume crop. As a result, pulses are subjected to various types of biotic and abiotic stresses. Weeds besides causing direct loss in yield also hinder farm activities and serve as alternate host to many pests. Weed management in pulses is essential to bring the weeds below the threshold level to maximize the seed yield and quality. The literature regarding the importance of weed management in pulses, weed flora, critical period of crop weed competition and different weed management methods of weed control are collected and presented in this paper.Weeds are the predominant biological constraint in pulse production due to the slow initial growth of the crop. Strategies’ of weed management depends on the weed competition, types of weeds present and weed control method adopted. In general, critical period of weed competition for short duration pulses is up to 30 days and for long duration pulse crops it is up to 60 days. The major three types of weeds viz., grasses, broad leaved weeds and sedges were found in association with pulses. Intensity of weed infestation varies with agroecological conditions and crop management practices followed. A system approach is necessary to maintain the weed population below the economic threshold level thereby reducing the yield loss. Integrated weed management (IWM) which has been proved to be more effective than any single method in alleviating the buildup of weeds in pulse crop.

Effect of Tillage and Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Green Gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]

“…Comparatively weeds are the main biotic stressor that seriously reduces pulse yields among the other stresses. Of all the pulses, soybeans had the largest loss (1.5 b$), followed by green grams (0.16 b$) [11]. A modification in the tillage and crop establishment techniques affects the species composition of the soil by either directly eliminating weeds or dispersing their seeds at varying soil depths.…”

Effect of Planting Methods and Weed Control Treatments on Weed Dynamics, Yield and Economics of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)

“…Weed infestation also poses a significant challenge, accounting for yield losses ranging from 50 to 90%, particularly during spring season cultivation [12]. Studies indicate that if weed infestation remains unchecked beyond 20 days after sowing (DAS), it can lead to severe yield reductions of up to 38% or more [13,14]. Losses due to uncontrolled weed growth were reported at 95% in wet seasons and 77% in dry seasons [15].…”

Weed Management in Pulses: Overview and Prospects

“…Furthermore, most pulses are grown in conjunction with nonlegume crops, and 84% of that area is grown under rain-fed conditions. For this reason, pulses are vulnerable to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses [6]. Weed infestation in crops accounts for the highest yield loss, i.e., 34%, compared to the losses associated with any pests, such as insects and pathogens, depending upon crops and weed's emergence time, density and nature [7,8].…”