Weed Dynamics in Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.) as Influenced by Various Non-Chemical Weed Management Strategies

A field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Chidambaram, Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu during the kharif season (July to October) of 2023 to study the effect of different non-chemical weed management practices on weed dynamics in hybrid maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with eight non-chemical weed management treatments and the treatments were replicated thrice. The treatments comprised of T1 - Hand weeding twice on 20 and 40 DAS, T2 - Intercropping of cowpea in maize, T3 - Mulching with water hyacinth @ 6 t ha-1 fb hand weeding on 30 DAS, T4 - Mulching with sugarcane trash @ 6 t ha-1 fb hand weeding on 30 DAS, T5 - Foliar application of 10% sorghum water extract on 15 and 30 DAS, T6 - Foliar application of 10% aqueous extract of Lantana camara on 15 and 30 DAS, T7 - Mechanical weeding by long handled weeder on 20 and 40 DAS and T8 - Unweeded control. Among the different treatments tried out, hand weeding twice on 20 and 40 DAS (T1) significantly reduced the weed density and weed dry matter production, thereby minimizing the nutrient depletion by weeds. This treatment not only demonstrated superior weed control efficiency but also recorded the highest values for weed control index in hybrid maize. Although labour-intensive, hand weeding method of weed management remains an effective and viable option for sustainable maize production.