Metribuzin-based herbicide combination for management of dominant weed flora to enhance wheat productivity and profitability under Indo-Gangetic plains

Aim: A two-year ‘on-farm experimentation’ was conducted to estimate the efficacy of metribuzin (MTZ), applied alone and in combination with pinoxaden (PDN), at various application doses and timing for controlling diverse weed flora in rice-wheat cropping system. Methodology: The experiment was conducted over two consecutive cropping seasons, 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Rice Research Station, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Kaul (Kaithal), Haryana, India.The experiment with MTZ based herbicide combinations was planned out using factorial randomized block design for management of Phalaris minor in wheat under conventional tillage system. Results: The study results indicated that highest grain yield (6,140 and 5,804 kg ha-1 during 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively.) and Benefit-Cost Ratio (1.96 and 1.83, respectively) was achieved with post-emergence (POE) application of MTZ at 350 g ha-1, mixed with urea and broadcasted at 35 days after sowing (DAS) in conjunction with PDN as spray at 50 g ha-1 demonstrating superior weed suppression in wheat crop. PDNat 50 g ha-1 exhibited significant control over Phalaris minor but demonstrated no effectiveness against broadleaf weeds (BLWs). Interpretation: POE application of MTZ at 350 g ha-1, broadcasted with urea and PDN at 50 g ha-1, provided highly effective control of Phalaris minor and BLWs viz. Medicago denticulata, Melilotus indica and Rumex dentatus. POE application of MTZ at 350 g ha-1 and PDN at 50 g ha-1 proved to be the most effective and economically viable strategy for weed control in conventional-till wheat. Key words: Metribuzin, Phalaris minor, Pinoxaden, Weed, Wheat