Author(s): K. C. GUPTA, S. KUMAR AND R. SAXENA

Abstract: A field experiments was conducted during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2013-14 and 2014-15 to study the effect of weed management practices on yield, weed dynamics and economics of mustard and to find out the most effective and economic weed management practice for mustard under semi arid conditions of Rajasthan. Results of the study revealed that two hand weeding at 25-30 and 40-45 days after sowing recorded minimum mean weed dry weight (39.95g m-2 ), highest weed control efficiency (80.94 %)and maximum mean plant height (165.4 cm), siliqua plant-1 (153.7), seeds siliqua-1 (13), test weight (4.33), mustard seed and stover yield(16.16 and 50.51 q ha-1) during both years of study which was statistically at par with 1hand weeding(16.08 and 50.39 q ha-1) and pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 38.7CS (15.86 and 48.49 q ha-1). However, among chemicals pre emergence application of pendimethalin 38.7 CS (T3) proved superior as it recorded higher values of seeds per siliqua and test weight. The mean increases in seeds per siliqua and test weight due to treatment Pendimethalin 38.7CS were 20.0 & 3.63, 41.57 & 4.65 and 35.48 & 7.81 per cent. The maximum net returns (` 47178 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.75) were recorded under pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 38.7 CS. The least (` 24162 ha-1 and 2.39) were recorded under pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 30 EC+imazethapyr 2 EC @0.75 kg ha-1 due to its phytotoxic effect on mustard.

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