Weed management in direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa) + brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) intercropping system

Abstract

An investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of weed management on yield, yield attributes and eco- nomics of direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) and herb of grace or brahmi [Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell] inter- cropping system at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, during rainy seasons of 2015 and 2016. The lowest weed density, dry weight and the highest weed-control efficiency were recorded with pendimethalin followed by (fb) cyhalofop- butyl fb 1 hand-weeding 45 days after sowing (DAS) or days after planting (DAP) in 2 : 1 row ratio. Dry-herbage yield of brahmi (2.07 and 2.35 t/ha) and grain yield (5.30 and 6.56 t/ha) were highest in sole direct-seeded rice (pendimethalin fb cyhalofop-butyl fb 1 hand-weeding at 45 DAS/DAP) and sole brahmi (3 hand-weedings 30, 45 and 60 DAP). The highest land-equivalent ratio was found with pendimethalin fb cyhalofop-butyl fb 1 hand-weed- ing at 45 DAS or DAP in alternate row ratio (1 : 1) of direct-seeded rice and brahmi during both the years. The higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio were found with pendimethalin fb cyhalofop-butyl fb 1 hand-weeding at 45 DAP in alternate row ratio (1:1) of rice and brahmi intercropping system.