Weed control in sunflower (Helianthus annuus) under temperate conditions of Kashmir valley

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2003 and 2004 under irrigated temper- ate conditions on weed control studies in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) on silty clay-loam soil of Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir. Seven weed-control treatments consisted of unweeded check, Pendimethalin 1 kgtha, Fluchloralin 1 kglha, lsoproturon 0.75 kgtha, 1 hand-weeding at 20 days after sowing, 2 hand-weedings at 20 and 35 days after sowing and weed-free check. Pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin and pre-plant in- corporation of Fluchloralin effectively controlled the weeds and resulted in better growth, development and yield of sunflower. Pre-emergence application of Pendimathalin resulted in 75% higher yield and additional returns (Rs 9,195) over weedy check.