Harnessing Integrated Weed Management for Sustainable Okra Cultivation: Synergizing Herbicides, Mechanical Weeding, and Mulching

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a vital vegetable in tropical and subtropical regions,
faces intense weed competition due to its sluggish early development and open
canopy, particularly during the rainy season. This study evaluates the effectiveness of
integrated weed management (IWM) strategies in kharif okra, focusing on chemical,
mechanical, and physical control methods. The experiment compared various
treatments, including the use of herbicides (oxyfluorfen and propaquizafop),
intercultivation, and black polythene mulch. Results demonstrated that combining
oxyfluorfen and propaquizafop with intercultivation provided effective early-stage
weed control. Meanwhile, mechanical weeding combined with hand weeding at
critical stages reduced weed infestation and biomass significantly. Notably, black
polythene mulch consistently achieved the highest weed control efficiency (WCE)
throughout the crop cycle by acting as a physical barrier, suppressing light, and
moderating soil temperature and moisture. One challenge faced in the study was the
management of weed flushes at different crop stages, especially in high rainfall
conditions that favored rapid weed proliferation. Additionally, the risk of
phytotoxicity from certain herbicides necessitated precise application and timing.
Despite these constraints, the study contributes valuable insights into practical,
sustainable, and resource efficient weed control strategies for okra cultivation under
monsoonal agroecosystems. This research confirms that a multi-strategy weed
management approach especially the integration of plastic mulching with manual
weeding offers a reliable and environmentally friendly method to optimize okra
productivity in resource-constrained farming systems. The findings endorse IWM as a
cornerstone for enhancing crop yield and sustainability in vegetable production.