Management of Cynodon dactylon L. in Mulberry Plantation
-
Author:R. Shanmugam1, R. Krishnan*, C. Chinnusamy** and M. Muthuswami
p-ISSN:0024-9602, e-ISSN:2582-5321, Vol:97, Issue:apr-jun
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29321/MAJ.10.100368
Abstract
Perennial weeds like Cynodon dactylon L. is one of the most troublesome weeds in mulberry
plantations. Any management practice apart from being effective should be economically
more remunerative and environmentally safe. In mulberry plantations, of the total weed
density, C. dactylon alone accounted for 38.89 percent. Among the various treatment
combinations, the treatment comprising of hand weeding and intercropping with cowpea
recorded the lowest weed density and dry weight and highest weed control efficiency. The
total weed control efficiency ranged between 76.6% and 52.6% while the efficacy against
C. dactylon ranged between 77.8% and 37.2%. The leguminous intercropping with cowpea
had a significant and positive influence on weed control, mulberry growth and yield apart
from enhanced bio chemical quality parameters.
Key words : Mulberry, weed, Cynodon dactylon, glyphosate, soap solution, paraquat, coir pith mulching,
cowpea intercropping