Vol. 8, Issue 9, Part P (2024)

This study evaluated the effects of various weed management strategies on weed growth, crop yield, and economic returns. The results showed that hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) followed by Topramezone application at 2-3 leaf stage of weeds (T₅) was the most effective treatment in reducing weed density, dry matter accumulation, and growth rate, resulting in maximum weed control efficiency and index. In contrast, the unweeded control (T₁₅) had the highest weed index. The economic analysis revealed that hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS (T₁₄) followed by Metribuzin application at 0-3 DAS and 5-6 leaf stage of weeds (T₉) generated the highest gross returns, while Metribuzin application at 0-3 DAS and 5-6 leaf stage of weeds (T₉) resulted in the highest net return and benefit-cost ratio. However, the high cost of cultivation due to frequent weeding in the hand-weeding plot (T₁₄₎ reduced its net return and benefit-cost ratio.