Herbicidal weed management in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop with special reference to Melilotus indica

The problem of weeds is one of the most serious issues affecting the viability of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in different parts of the world, whose damage varies between 20-80 percent of yield based on the density of weeds and production stage and composition of weed species. One of the broad-leaved weeds is Melilotus indica (L.). All., called sweet clover, has become a rival in wheat fields of India. It vies with wheat on such critical growth ingredients like light and nutrients, moisture and space to lower productivity and profitability. Chemical control of weeds has been a good management tool to curtail such competition though not all herbicides work under all soils, climatic conditions and weeds flora structure. The present trial was conducted on a rice field at Agronomy Research Farm, T.D.P.G. College, Jaunpur (U.P.), during the rabi season (202122), to study the effectiveness of the various weedicides to control Melilotus indica and also to see their impact on growth and yield of wheat. Pretreatments, post-treatments and herbicides were involved as pre- and post- emergence pendimethalin, isoproturon, 2,4-D sodium salt, metsulfuron methyl; compared with weedy check and weed-free plots. Data were noted in weed population, dry matter of weeds, effect of control on weeds, crop growth variables, yield and economics. Results indicated that the application of the herbicide had severe impacts on decreasing the population and dry matter accumulation in M. indica relative to the weedy check. At 4 g ha 1, metsulfuron methyl and 500 g ha 1, 24-D sodium salt were very effective in controlling M. indica, enhancing the crop growth parameters like the plant height, number of tillers and dry matter production. In such treatments, therefore, more grain and straw yields were recorded and the percentage advantages yielding 25- 40 over weedy check. The results also showed better benefit to cost ratios of applications of metsulfuron methyl and 2,4-D as the result of economic analysis. Based on the study, it has been established that selective herbicides may significantly help in the wide-ranging application of integrated pest management techniques on wheat where wheat crops benefit and grow moderately as well as weakening the growth of M. indica. Further studies should aim at integrating the use of chemical with both cultural and mechanical control to reduce herbicide resistance and achieve long run sustainability.