Author(s): U. S . WALIA, G . GILL, S. S. WALIA AND A . S. SIDHU

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted during Kharif season of 2007 and 2008 at research farm of the department of Agronomy, PAU, Ludhiana, Punjab, India to find out the appropriate plant density and most effective weed control method for controlling weeds in direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) under unpuddled conditions. Higher plant density i.e. 250 viable seed m-2 (50 kg ha-1) provided good smothering potential on weeds thus reducing the dry matter of weeds. But maximum grain yield was recorded with planting density of 150 viable seeds m-2 (30 kg ha-1) during both years, which was significantly higher than 100 viable seeds m-2 (20 kg ha-1) but statistically at par with planting density of 200 and 250 viable seeds m-2. Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1 followed by bispyribac 25 g ha-1 (30 days after sowing) recorded lowest dry matter of weeds and highest grain yield during both the years. This was followed by pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1followed by azimsulfuron (20 g ha-1) and 2, 4-D (0.5 kg ha-1) at 30 days after sowing. Alone application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1 recorded significantly higher dry matter and lower grain yield as compared to other integrated treatments..

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