Response of wheat and associated weeds (Triticum aestivum) to irrigation schedule and pendimethalin

Abstract

An investigation was conducted during the winter season of 1997 98 and 1998 99 at Morena, to study the effect of irrigation schedule and weed control with pendimethalin at variable doses on weed control and plant growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori Paol.). An adverse effect on the yield attributes and finally on yields was observed on delaying or withholding first irrigation. Higher values of yield attributes and yield of wheat were noted when first irrigation was applied at 20 or 25 days after sowing (DAS) compared with 30 days after sowing. All these parameters were higher under the application of pendimethalin granules as pre emergence 2.0 kglha. Weed density was not influenced by the irrigation schedules, but weed biomass reduced under delayed irrigation at 30 DAS during 1998 99 only. Pendimethalin 2.0 kglha pre emergence reduced the weed density and weed biomass significantly.