Abstract

                               A field trial was carried out in Central Farm of Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai during rabi (late samba), 2018-19 to study the effect of weed management on crop growth, yield and economics of rice under various ecosystems. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with twenty-eight treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The results revealed that among sowing methods, plant height, LAI, LAD, CGR, DMP and yield were observed higher under wet seeded condition whereas, in weed management practices weed free upto panicle initiation stage and the application of Bensulfuron methyl (0.6%) + Pretilachlor (6% GR) (10 kg ha-1) fb 2,4-D (1.25 kg a.i. ha-1) + one hand weeding at 45 DAS showed higher results. The economic analysis revealed that among the methods of sowing, net income and B:C ratio was found higher in puddled condition. Among various weed management practices, higher net return and B:C ratio was observed with the application of Bensulfuron methyl (0.6%) + Pretilachlor (6% GR) (10 kg ha-1) fb 2,4-D (1.25 kg a.i. ha-1) + one hand weeding at 45 DAS. It was followed by the application of Pendimethalin (2.5 kg a.i. ha-1) + Bispyribac sodium (50 g a.i. ha-1) fb one hand weeding at 45 DAS.

Key words : Aerobic rice, Economics, Puddled, Unpuddled, Wet seeded, Weed control efficiency