Author(s): P. K. MUKHERJEE, S. RAHAMAN, S. K. MAITY AND B. SINHA

Abstract: Field studies were conducted in West Bengal, India, during the 2006 and 2007 rabi seasons, to determine suitable and economically viable weed control practices for potato cv. Kufri Jyoti. The treatments comprised 0.30 kg metribuzin/ha at 7 days after planting (DAP) as early post-emergence in ridge planted potato, followed by earthing up at 45 DAP, 50 kg metribuzin/ha at 7 DAP in ridge planted potato, followed by earthing up at 45 DAP, 0.60 kg pendimethalin/ha as pre-emergence in ridge planted potato, followed by earthing up at 45 DAP, 0.10 kg oxyfluorfen/ha as pre-emergence in ridge planted potato, followed by earthing up at 45 DAP, 0.50 kg isoproturon/ha as pre-emergence in ridge planted potato, followed by earthing up at 45 DAP, 0.50 kg paraquat/ha as early post-emergence at 2-3% emergence of potatoes (10 DAP) in ridge planted potato, followed by earthing up at 45 DAP, mulching with rice straw at 10 t/ha after planting of potato in ridges, farmer\'s practice (flat bed planting with 2 hand weedings at 15 and 30 DAP and earthing up at 45 DAP), weedy control and weed-free control. A cost benefit analysis was also conducted. Data were recorded on the tuber yield, weed dry weight, weed control efficiency at harvest, net returns, cost benefit ratio and weed index. Results showed that the application of 0.30 kg metribuzin/ha (early post-emergence) or 0.60 kg pendimethalin/ha (pre-emergence) in ridge planted potato, followed by earthing up at 45 DAP were effective for controlling weeds and increased tuber yield and profitability, while rice straw mulching significantly increased the tuber yield compared to chemical weed control.

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