Author(s): B. GANGAIAH

Abstract: A field investigation was made during post rainy season (January-April) of 2017 at Port Blair, to assess the impact of postemergence herbicides (glyphosate and paraquat),along with weedy check and weed free treatments on management of weeds and thus conserving moisture and nutrients in areca nut plantation.Glyphosate through killing of existing weeds along with their roots and paraquat by desiccating the above ground green portions of weeds reduced the weed count, weed dry weight and thus have weed control efficiency (%) values at par with that of weed free situation (100). Un-controlled weeds of areca nut plantation during rain free period (January-April) have removed 46.4-7.18-52.1 kg ha-1 N-P-K from soil and depleted soil moisture quickly to reach permanent wilting point. These colossal loss of water and nutrients from areca nut plantation were reduced with use of herbicides and weed free conditions, however, herbicide use was more economical to weed free treatment. A temporary reduction in dehydrogenase enzyme activity was seen with use of herbicides. Glyphosate and paraquat herbicides were not only highly economical weed management options but also conserve nutrients and moisture in areca nut plantations during post rainy season (January-April) in islands, hence merits adoption.

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