Weed dynamics as influenced by different direct seeded establishment methods and new generation herbicidal combination in rice (Oryza sativaL.)

Field experiment was conducted at Periyanarkunam during Navarai 2021. The main treatments comprised three direct seeded rice establishment methods viz., dry, drum and manual wet seeded rice. The sub treatments are nine weed management practices and are made up with combination of herbicides with hand weeding viz., application of bensulfuron methyl 0.6% + pretilachlor 6% GR @ 10 kg ha-1 on 8 DAS (Days After Sowing) (PE), application of triafamone 20% + ethoxysulfuron 10% WG @ 200 g ha-1 on 12 DAS (EPoE), application of metsulfuron methyl 10% + chlorimuron ethyl 10% @ 20 g ha-1 on 25 DAS (PoE), twice hand weeding on 25 and 45 DAS and unweededcontrol. Among the main treatments drum seeded rice recorded the lowest weed population, dry matter production, the highest weed control efficiency and the highest grain yield which is on par with manual wet seeded rice. However, manual wet seeded rice led to higher cost of cultivation with lower benefit cost ratio. Hence, drum seeded rice is an economically feasible method of direct seeded rice establishment compared to others. Regarding the weed management practices evaluated application of bensulfuron methyl 0.6% + pretilachlor 6% GR @ 10 kg ha-1 on 8 DAS (PE) fb (followed by) application of metsulfuron methyl 10% + chlorimuron ethyl 10% @ 20 g ha-1 on 25 DAS (PoE) fb hand weeding on 45 DAS (S8) registered the similar trend. Hence, drum seeded rice coupled with S8 is an economically feasible method for effective control of weeds.