Effect of integrated weed management on weed dynamics and yield in maize

A field experiment was carried out during the kharif season of 2024 at PG Research Farm, Rajarshee Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj College of Agriculture, Kolhapur, with ten treatments replicated thrice laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) to evaluate the integrated weed management in kharif maize (Zea mays L.) The results revealed that the weed free check (T9) recorded higher yield (grain, stover - 72.23, 128.74 q ha-1, respectively), Weed Control Efficiency (99.70%) and lower Weed Index (0.00%) and among the various herbicidal treatments the PoE application of Mesotrione (2.27% SC) + Atrazine (22.7% SC) (ready mix) @ 3.5 kg a.i. ha-1 at 15-20 DAS fb hand weeding at 40 DAS (T4), recorded higher yield (grain, stover- 69.27, 122.34 q ha-1, respectively), Weed Control Efficiency (70.42%), lower Weed Index (3.26%) and highest B:C Ratio (2.79), followed by PoE application of 2,4-D Dimethyl amine salt (58% EC) @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha-1 at 15-20 DAS fb hand weeding at 40 DAS (T6). The Weedy check treatment (T10) recorded lowest yield (grain, stover - 41.25, 96.98 q ha-1, respectively), Weed Control Efficiency (0.00%) and higher Weed Index (42.39%).