Effect of integrated Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)

Author: Mohit Sharma, Deependra Yadav, Sandeep Kumar, Ravinder Kumar and Alok Kumar

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Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Effect of integrated weed management on growth and yield of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.)” was carried out at the Agriculture Research Farm of Abhilashi University, Mandi during 2021-2022 to evaluate the effect of integrated weed management practices on growth and yield of cauliflower. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications, and seven treatments. Soil of the experimental field was slightly acidic in nature with low in nitrogen and medium in phosphorus and potassium content and low in organic carbon. The result revealed that (T2) Weed free recorded the highest plant heights (44.06 cm) at 60 DAT, number of leaves at (17.40) at 60 DAT, diameter of curd (16.43) at harvest, days to harvesting (90.14) at harvesting, fresh weight of leaves (230.57) at harvest, dry weight of leaves (27.67) at harvest and average weight of curd (644.53) at harvest, yield per plot (9.03kg) and yield per hectare (225.83 q) which was followed by (pendimethalin 1.5 Kg/ha + HW 30 DAT (T7). While the maximum weed count (89.66), fresh weight of weeds (1733.96 g), and dry weight of weeds (312.11 g) were observed under (T1) weedy check, and the minimum weed count (0.00), fresh weight of weeds (0.00 g) and dry weight of weeds (0.00g) were observed under weed free (T2). The highest WCE (100%) and lowest weed index (0.00%) were observed in (T2) weed-free and the lowest WCE (0.00 %) and highest weed index (72.07%) were in weedy check (T1). Stellaria media L., Vicia sativa L., Lysimachia arvensis var. caerulea (L.), etc., were the major weeds observed in the experimental field. Gross income was recorded high in treatment T2 (weed free) while net income and B:C was recorded maximum under treatment T7 (Pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg a.i./ha + one HW at 30 DAT), making it an economically practical option for controlling weeds in cauliflower.

Keywords

IWM, Cauliflower, growth, treatments, yield

Conclusion

From the experimental observations, it can be concluded that data for growth, yield, and weed parameters were examined by using the statistical package OPSTAT was determined to be significant. The growth, yield, and quality attributes were found to be highest under treatment T2 (weed-free). It was also very helpful in controlling the weeds at all growth stages. The highest cost of cultivation ` 139415.5 was reported in T2 (weed-free) because of the high labour cost. However, the highest net return and benefit-cost ratio were found highest in treatment T7 (Pendimethalin 1.5 kg/ha. + HW after 30 DAT) due to the lesser cost of cultivation. Hence, the treatment T7 (Pendimethalin 1.5 kg/ha. + HW after 30 DAT) has proved to be the best for attaining the maximum return under the climatic conditions of Chail Chowk, Mandi (HP).

References

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How to cite this article

Mohit Sharma, Deependra Yadav, Sandeep Kumar, Ravinder Kumar and Alok Kumar (2023). Effect of integrated Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8a): 110-114.