Effect of weed management practices on growth yield and economics of Mesta (Hibiscus Sabdariffa L.)

A field experiment entitled “Effect of weed management practices on growth and yield of mesta” was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Amadalavalasa to identify suitable weed management practices for obtaining higher yields in mesta. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with seven treatments and four replications. The treatments comprised of T1- Quizalofop ethyl @ 1.5-2.0 ml/lt at 15-20 DAE + 1 Hand weeding at 35 DAE. T2- Quizalofop ethyl @ 1.5-2.0 ml/lt at 15-20 DAE + 1 Wheel hoeing at 35 DAE. T3- Trifluralin (48% EC) 0.5 Kg a.i/ha at one day before sowing + 1 Hand weeding at 35 DAE. T4- Trifluralin (48% EC) 0.5 Kg a.i/ha at one day before sowing + 1 Wheel hoeing at 35 DAE. T5- Mulching with locally available cheap organic source @ 10 t/ha. T6- Two hand weedings at 3rd and 5th week after sowing. T7- Control. The results of the experiment indicated that Significantly higher fibre yield of mesta was recorded with T6 Two hand weedings at 3rd and 5th week after sowing (2305 Kg/ha) which was statistically atpar with T3 Trifluralin 48% EC @0.5 Kg a.i/ha at one day before sowing + 1 hand weeding at 35 DAE treatment (2275 Kg/ha). The third best treatment was with T1 Quizalofop ethyl @ 1.5-2.0 ml/lt at 15-20 DAE + 1 Hand weeding at 35 DAE also registered numerically higher yield (2075 Kg/ha). Lower fibre yield was recorded with control plot (unweeded check) 1390 Kg/ha followed by T5 mulching with locally available cheap organic source i.e paddy straw is used. The fibre yield recorded with T6, T3 and T1 were 163, 160 and 137 percent higher yield than when compared with unweeded check. BC ratio also recorded higher with T3 and is atpar with T1 and T4.