Performance of rice genotypes for high yield and weed competitiveness under wet direct-seeded condition

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2022 at the Rice Research Station, Chinsurah, Hooghly, West Bengal to evaluate the weed competitiveness of different rice genotypes under wet direct-seeded condition. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with two weed management methods viz. moderate weed pressure (MWP) and low weed pressure (LWP) in main plots, and eight rice genotypes including four inbreds (Ajit, DRR Dhan 42, DRR Dhan 44 and Swarna Shreya), and four hybrids (27P37, 28P67, Arize 6444 Gold, and Arize 8433 DT) in sub-plots. The experimental field was infested predominantly with Echinochloa colona, E. crus-galli, Cyperus difformis, C. iria, Fimbristylis miliacea, Commelina benghalensis, Eclipta alba, Euphorbia hirta, Marsilea quadrifolia, and Monochoria vaginalis. The results revealed that total weed density and biomass at 60 days after sowing (DAS) under LWP were reduced by 47% and 53%, respectively, compared with those under MWP. Among the genotypes, the hybrid ‘Arize 6444 Gold’ recorded the lowest total weed density (28.67 m⁻²) and biomass (21.84 g m⁻²), exhibiting the highest weed control efficiency (69.68%) due to its weed competitive ability. It was followed by 27P37 and 28P67, whilst among inbreds, Ajit exhibited strong weed suppression and higher competitiveness. Yield performance was improved under LWP with competitive genotypes due to improved growth attributes viz. plant height, tillering ability, leaf area index, and root properties. Arize 6444 Gold produced the highest grain yield (5.87 t ha⁻¹) with benefit–cost ratio (1.75), followed by Ajit (1.68). Yield reduction to the extent of 25.84% was observed under MWP due to greater crop–weed competition. The study revealed that under MWP, adopting competitive rice genotypes such as Arize 6444 Gold, 27P37, and Ajit could reduce herbicide dependence, minimize hand weeding costs, and enhance productivity and profitability in wet direct-seeded system.