Vol. 8, Special Issue 12, Part C (2024)

The investigation entitled “Studies on weed management with different herbicides and herbicide combinations in kharif maize (Zea mays L.)” during the year of 2022-23 at the College Farm, College of Agriculture, Badnapur, employed a comprehensive study framework. Employing a randomized block design (RBD) with 12 treatments replicated three times, the research aimed to assess the impact of various herbicides and their combinations on plant growth, weed density, and subsequent crop yield in Maize.

The findings revealed notable variations across treatments in plant growth parameters and weed density. Particularly, Treatment T₁₂ (weed free), designated as the weed-free control, consistently showcased superior results across various growth stages of the maize crop. This treatment exhibited optimal initial and final plant populations, highest plant height, maximum leaf area, greatest dry matter accumulation, cob characteristics, grain yield, and straw yield compared to other treatments. These outcomes underscored the pivotal role of effective weed control in maximizing maize growth, cob development, and overall yield.

Treatment T₆ (Topramezone 33.6% (w/v) SC @ 25.2g a.i /ha and Atrazine 50%WP @ 250 g/ha PoE at 15 DAS), comprising a combination of Topramezone and Atrazine, emerged as the second most effective herbicide combination, displaying promising results in enhancing plant growth and yield attributes.

Conversely, the weedy check treatment T₁₁ (weedy check) exhibited a stark reduction in maize growth and yield due to heavy weed infestation, underscoring the detrimental impact of uncontrolled weed growth on crop productivity.

The findings emphasized the criticality of judicious herbicide use for effective weed control, ultimately contributing to enhanced maize productivity. Furthermore, the study proposed the need for future research focusing on exploring novel herbicide molecules and diverse application methods, including post+pre and sequential methods, to broaden the spectrum of weed control in maize cropping systems. These initiatives aim to establish sustainable practices that augment crop yields while minimizing adverse impacts on the environment and ecosystem.