Weed density, relative weed density, weed indices and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) as influenced by planting geometry and weed management practices

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted to identify the best planting geometry and weed management practices for yield, quality and weed management in Indian mustard at Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during rabi season of 2014-15. Experiment was laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept and replicated thrice. Mustard was sown with three planting pattern and five weed management practices. Significantly lowest number of all three types of weed population (monocots, dicots and sedges), maximum treatment efficiency index (TEI) were found with NP_30×10 (P1 ), whereas maximum weed control efficiency (WCE) was recorded under PRP_30×6×10 (P₃ ). The highest crop growth rate (CGR) and leaf area index (LAI) of mustard was observed with NP_30×10 (P₁ ) during different periodical intervals. Significantly higher seed, biological and oil yield produced under NP_45×10 (P₂ ) which was increased by 15.14, 17.92 and 11.88% over P1 and it remained at par with P₃ . Among the different weed management practices, minimum total weed density and maximum WCE and TEI was recorded with the application of Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg ha^-1 as PE fb Quizalofop - P - ethyl @ 0.04 kg ha^-1 at 20 DAS fb HW and IC at 40 DAS (W₄ ) at different intervals. Application of W₄ , W₃ and W₂ noted with maximum CGR, LAI, seed yield, biological yield, oil content and yield. Under planting pattern NP_30×10 (P₁ ) response to applied weed control practices W₄ was noted significant and with least numbers of total weeds.