2024, Vol. 7, Special Issue 10

author(s)
T Sampathkumar, SK Natarajan, S Thenmozhi, K Jothilakshmi, J Bhuvaneswari and G Kumar

abstract
One of the biggest threats to the successful implementation of direct seeded rice (DSR) system is weed infestation, which can significantly reduce yield by as much as 50% and in some cases, as much as 90%. The diversity and persistence of weed flora in DSR systems often surpass the capacity of a single weed management approach to keep weeds below the economic threshold. Therefore, a combination of various weed management techniques is essential for effective and sustainable control. To address these challenges, herbicides are typically combined with manual and mechanical methods, such as hand weeding, to tackle the "weed demons" in DSR system. Effective weed control during the critical initial stages of crop growth (sowing to 40 days after sowing) is crucial for improving the productivity of direct-seeded rice. While manual and mechanical control measures are effective, they are becoming increasingly impractical due to labor shortages during peak periods and rising labor costs. This has led to delays and increased expenses in weed control practices. Consequently, the integration of herbicide applications both pre-emergence and post-emergence along with the inclusion of mechanical and manual weeding practices, is vital for achieving timely and effective weed control in DSR system.