Evaluation of chemical weed management strategies for enhanced yield and profitability of Mentha crops in Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh

Mentha crops are highly valued for their essential oils, but heavy weed infestations present significant challenges to their cultivation. Traditional weed control methods, such as hand weeding, are labor-intensive and may not always be economically viable. This study evaluates the effectiveness of chemical weed management strategies, specifically the use of Propiquzafop (Azil) and a combination of Azil and Oxa, in enhancing mentha crop yield and profitability. On-farm trials were conducted at KVK Haidergarh, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, focusing on Zaid mentha crops. Two weed control technologies were assessed: the application of Azil and Oxa at a rate of 182 liters per hectare prior to transplanting, followed by one inter-cultivation and one hand weeding; and the application of Propiquzafop (Azil) at 100 ml per hectare before transplanting, with subsequent inter-cultivation and hand weeding. These treatments were compared to the traditional practice of hand weeding performed three times during the growing season. The results indicated that the Azil and Oxa treatment achieved an oil yield of 182 liters per hectare, representing a 27.75% increase over the hand weeding method, with a net return of ₹218,400 and a benefit-cost ratio (B Ratio) of 6.15. The Propiquzafop treatment resulted in an oil yield of 180 liters per hectare, reflecting a 27.77% increase over hand weeding, with a net return of ₹216,000 and a B Ratio of 1.38. In comparison, the traditional hand weeding approach yielded 132 liters per hectare, with a net return of ₹156,000 and a B Ratio of 4.86. Both chemical weed management strategies significantly improved mentha oil yield compared to traditional hand weeding. The combination of Azil and Oxa was more effective in terms of yield increase and economic return, suggesting it as a more advantageous option for managing weed infestations in mentha crops.