EFFECT OF HERBICIDES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.)

The present experiment was conducted at the crop research farm, Department of Agronomy, NPGC, Gorakhpur during the Rabi season of 2022-2023.Wheat variety, DBW -187 was sown with row-to-row spacing of 22.5cm.The experimental plan was laid out with the seven treatments which were replicated thrice in a plot size of 5m x 3m.The treatments were T1: Weedy check, T2: Weed-free, T3: Clodinafop propargyl 15wp @ 60g a.i ha -1 , T4: Metsulfuron methyl 20% WP @4.0 g a.i ha -1 , T5: Carfentrazone ethyl 40 DF @ 20g a.i ha -1 , T6: Sulfosulfuron 75 WG @ 25g a.i ha -1 , T7: Sulfosulfuron + metasulfuron methyl @32g a.i ha -1 .The major weeds of the experimental field were Phalaris minor, Anagallis arvensis, Avena fatua, Chenopodium album and other weeds viz., Cynodan dectylon, convolvulus arvensis, Cichorium intybus, melilotus alba, vicia hirsute Rumex spp., and Cyperus rotundus.The highest number of tillers was recorded with the weed-free treatment at all stages of crop growth.While a minimum number of tillers was observed under weedy check treatment.Weed-free treatment recorded the highest test weight which was closely equal to over rest of the treatment.Test weight remained uneffected by the use of different herbicides.The highest grain yield was recorded under the weed-free treatment which was at par with Sulfosulfuron + Metsulfuron 30 + 2 g a.i.ha -1 .The highest straw yield was recorded under the weed-free treatment which was at par with Sulfosulfuron+ Metsulfuron 30 + 2 g a.i.ha -1 .For biological yield, Carfentrazone ethyl 60 + 20 a.i.ha -1 and Sulfosulfuron 25 g a.i.ha -1 was significantly superior over the rest of the treatments.Harvest index remained un-effected by the use of different herbicides.The highest cost of cultivation was recorded under the weed-free treatment.Highest gross return and net return recorded under the treatment Sulfosulfuron+ Metsulfuron 30 + 2 g a.i.ha -1 .The highest benefit-cost ratio w a s recorded with t h e treatment Sulfosulfuron+ Metsulfuron 30 + 2 g a.i.ha -1.