Effect of herbicides on mixed weed flora in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and weed control efficiency

Wheat, essential for global food stability, is adversely affected by weed invasions, leading to considerable yield losses. This research, carried out over a two-year period at Sri Durga Ji P.G. College in Chandeswar, Azamgarh, U.P., assessed the effectiveness of different herbicidal treatments on wheat's growth and production. Notable strategies tested included a weed-free scenario (T₁₂), a mix of Sulfosulfuron and Metsulfuron (T₂), and Pendimethalin combined with manual weeding (T₁₀). The findings indicated that advanced weed management approaches, especially those involving multiple herbicides, markedly improved spike density, spike length, spikelets per spike, and total grain yield. Although the weed-free treatment consistently resulted in the best growth metrics and financial gains, it was also the most costly to maintain. In contrast, the weedy check (T₁₁) highlighted the negative impact of unchecked weed growth, exhibiting the poorest growth and yield results. Overall, proficient herbicide use not only boosts wheat productivity but also contributes to greater economic benefits, emphasizing the importance of careful weed management in wheat farming.