Evaluation of tillage system and herbicides on wheat (Triticum aestivum) performance under rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted during winter seasons of 2001-02 and 2002-03 to evaluate the effect of tillage system and herbicides in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. emend, Fiori & Paol) under rice ( Oryza sativa L.) - wheat cropping system. Significantly lower weed density was recorded in zero tillage (ZT) when compared with conven- tional tillage (CT) whereas it remained at par with reduced tillage (RT). ZT reduced the density of Phalaris minor by 72.5 % but increased the density of Rumex maritimus by 126.4% when compared with CT. However, ZT sys- tem recorded 22.5 % higher weed dry weight when compared with CT due to germination of weeds along with wheat crop. Seed yield was not affected due to different tillage systems. Uncontrolled weeds caused 30% reduc- tion in wheat yield. Sole application of fenoxaprop p-ethyl (100 g/ha) and clodinafop propargyl (60 g/ha) were found effective against the grassy weeds only. The maximum reduction in weed density (90.7%) and weed dry matter (89.8%) was obtained with sequential application of fenoxaprop and clodinafop with metsulfuron due to control of complex weed flora. The seed yield in sequential application of fenoxaprop and clodinafop with metsulfuron remained at par when applied as tank mix with metsulfuron but was significantly higher (18.9 and 19.5%) than the sole application of fenoxaprop and clodinafop.