Author(s): M.V. MENON, P. PRAMEELA AND P.R. KAVITHA

Abstract: Chocolate weed (Melochia corchorifolia L.), hitherto a minor weed in upland rice, banana and sesame, is now common in both upland and lowland rice in the kharif season. An experiment was conducted to develop appropriate management measures for Melochia corchorifolia and the efficacy ofphysical, mechanical, and chemical methods was tested individually to identify the most economic and efficient method to control the weed in rice. Highest dry weight of weeds at 40 days after sowing was observed in the weedy check. Lowest dry matter production was observed in oxyfluorfen treated plots. This was followed by the herbicide treatments pretilachlor + benzsulfuron methyl, 2,4-D, carfentrazone-ethyl and bispyribac sodium. Hand hoeing and soil solarization were on a par with these herbicides. Lowest dry matter production of Melochiacorchorifolia was obtained with the herbicides oxyfluorfen, 2,4-D, pretilachlor + benzsulfuron methyl, carfentrazone-ethyl, and pretilachlor followed by hand hoeing. Highest rice grain yields was obtained in the treatmentcarfentrazone ethyl (4.3 t ha-1) and oxyfluorfen (4.15 t ha- 1), followed by hand hoeing, which resulted in 3.66 t ha-1 of grain yield. Hence the best treatment for controlling chocolate weed as well as other weeds in rice, and for obtaining high grain yields was pre emergence application of oxyfluorfen.

DOI: 10.22271/09746315.2020.v16.i1.1306

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