Effect of integrated weed management on growth and green fodder yield of multicut fodder sorghum (CO 31)

A field experiment was conducted during 2024 - 2025 at the Livestock Farm Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, to evaluate suitable and effective integrated weed management practices for multicut fodder sorghum. The study was laid out in a randomized block design with seven treatments of integrated weed management practices, replicated thrice. Observations were recorded on weed density, weed dry weight, crop growth parameters and green fodder yield. Results indicated that all weed management practices significantly reduced weed density and dry weight, leading to marked improvements in crop growth and green fodder yield. Among the treatments, pre-emergence application of atrazine at 0.50 kg a.i./ha followed by one hand weeding at 30 days after sowing proved to be the most effective and economical practice for weed control and yield enhancement. This was closely followed by hand weeding twice, at 30 and 60 days after sowing, which also provided effective weed control and higher green fodder yield.