Optimizing weed control methods to enhance seed yield and economic returns in fodder oats production

An experiment was laid out to study the effect of weed management practices on weed dynamics, growth, quality, fodder and seed yield of fodder oat (Avena sativa L.) during rabi season of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the experimental field of instructional cum research farm, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with ten treatments and three replications. The average data of two years revealed that the yield of seed was statistically paramount under treatment hand-weeding two times at 20 and 40 DAS (25.9 q ha-1) and-was comparable with application of oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC 200 g ha-1 as pre- emergence followed by application of metsulfuron methyl 20% WP 4 g ha-1 as post- emergence (25.9 q ha-1) in sequence, treatment application of pendimethalin 38.7% EC 750 g ha-1 as pre- emergence then supplication of metsulfuron methyl 20% WP 4 g ha-1 as post- emergence (24.0 q ha-1) and hand-hoeing at 25 DAS & intra row-weeding at-35 DAS (18.7 q ha-1). Higher gross rate of return (Rs.120129 ha-1) was found under hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS. Significantly highest net income (Rs. 92011 ha-1) and B: C ratio (3.2) was recorded under sequential application of oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC 200 g ha-1 as pre- emergence fb applying metsulfuron methyl 20% WP 4 g ha-1 as post emergence.