Optimising weed control in sesame: insights into herbicide performance and crop productivity
2025
Dhanush, G | Geetha , K N | Pruthviraj , N | Murali, K | Krishnamurthy , R | Sinchana , J K
Sesamum indicum L., a crucial oilseed crop in tropical and subtropical regions, is highly susceptible to weed competition during its early growth stages, leading to significant yield losses. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of various pre-emergence (PE) and early post-emergence (EPoE) herbicides in weed management under rainfed conditions. Field experiments were conducted in 2022 and 2023 using a randomised complete block design with thirteen treatments. Results indicated that the PE application of pendimethalin 30 % EC at 0.75 kg ha-1 effectively reduced weed density and dry weight, achieving a weed control efficiency of 73.5 % without phytotoxic effects on the crop. While metribuzin and diuron exhibited high weed control, their severe phytotoxicity rendered them unsuitable. Hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS demonstrated superior weed suppression but was less practical due to labour intensity. Pendimethalin-treated plots recorded significantly higher leaf area index, dry matter accumulation and nutrient uptake, leading to improved yield attributes. Seed yield losses were minimised by 74.6 % compared to the weedy check, with pendimethalin providing a high benefit-cost ratio of 2.92. Correlation analysis revealed a strong negative relationship between weed biomass and crop yield, highlighting the role of effective weed control in nutrient management. These findings underscore the potential of pendimethalin as a sustainable and economical herbicide for optimising sesame productivity.
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