Comparative analysis of broadleaf herbicides for optimizing growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was carried out during Rabi seasons (winter season) of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Pili Kothi Agronomy Research Farm, T.D.P.G. College, Jaunpur (U.P.), to evaluate the effect of broad-leaved herbicides on growth parameters of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design comprising Twelve treatments including different herbicides, weedy check and weed free with replicated thrice. Key growth attributes such as plant population, plant height, dry matter accumulation, Leaf Area Index (LAI) were recorded at various growth stages. Among the treatments, Carfentrazone at 40 g a.i./ha and Weed Free plots consistently recorded superior performance across all parameters. Metsulfuron Methyl at 6g a.i./ha also supported healthy growth but was slightly less effective than Carfentrazone 40 g a.i./ha. The Weedy Check and Florasulam at lower doses resulted in significantly reduced growth due to poor weed control. The study highlights the critical role of effective herbicide management in enhancing wheat growth and productivity under subtropical agro-climatic conditions.