Chapter IV

RESULTS

The results emanating from the present investigation entitled, “Integrated weed

management studies in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.)” have been presented in

this chapter. The effect of various weed control treatments on growth, yield attributes and yield of

cauliflower, total dry matter of weeds, species wise weed count at different intervals, nutrient

uptake by crop and weeds, and economics of different treatments have been described under the

following headings:

4.1 Weeds studies

4.2 Crop studies

4.3 N, P and K uptake studies

4.4 Economics studies

In the second study, the critical period of crop- weed competition,

the effect of different weed free and weedy periods on above mentioned

parameters have been presented under the following headings:

4.5 Weeds studies

4.6 Crop studies

4.7 N, P and K uptake studies

4.1 W eeds studies

4.1.1 Distribution of weed species

The survey of dominant weeds in unweeded plots of experiment

field was carried out at 30 days after transplanting (DAT), 60 DAT, 90 DAT
and at harvest. Their species wise distributions at the maximum weed
population stage (90 DAT) in weedy plots have been embodied in Table 4.1
and Fig 4.1.
Table 4.1 Species wise distribution of weeds at 90 DAT

Weed species Population % Population

2004-05 2005-06 Mean 2004-05 2005-06 Mean

Coronopus didymus 362.67 560.00 461.34 36.37 45.06 40.71

Poa annua 149.33 176.00 162.67 14.97 14.16 14.56

Cyperus rotundus 74.67 80.00 77.34 7.49 6.44 6.97

Medicago denticulata 69.33 48.00 58.67 6.95 3.86 5.41

Ageratum conyzoides 42.67 37.33 40.00 4.28 3.00 3.64

Other weeds 298.67 341.33 320.00 29.94 27.48 28.71

Total 997.34 1242.66 1120.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

The data in Table 4.1 shows that Coronopus didymus was the
most dominant weed species constituting 36.37 and 45.06 per cent of the
total weed flora, during 2004-05 and 2005-06, respectively. It was followed
by Poa annua, Cyperus rotundus, Medicago denticulata and Ageratum
conyzoides accounting 14.97, 7.49, 6.95 and 4.28 per cent during 2004-05
and 14.16, 6.44, 3.86 and 3.00 per cent of total weed flora during 2005-06,
respectively at 90 DAT. The other weeds viz., Polygonum spp., Anagallis
arvensis, Cynodon dactylon, Fumaria parviflora, Gallinsoga parviflora and
Eragrostis spp appeared in less number and they were counted together.
4.1.2 Progressive weed count

The data on total and species wise progressive weed count at monthly
interval recorded during both the years of experimentation is presented in
Table 4.2 to 4.8. In general, the population of all the weed species and their
total weed density increased up to 90 DAT and decreased thereafter, during
both the years of investigation.
4.1.2.1 Total weed density
A perusal of the data presented in Table 4.2, revealed that different weed
control methods significantly influenced total weed density during both the
years of study.
At 30 DAT the minimum total weed density was observed with oxadiazon 1.5
kg ha-1 (13.54/m2), which was statistically at par with mulching with leaves
(14.00/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (15.63/m2) and
oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 (16.30/m2). However, during the second year, the
population of weeds was in general, higher as compared to first year. During
2005-06, the minimum total weed intensity was recorded with mulching with
leaves (13.26/m2) and was statistically at par with oxadiazon 1.5
kg ha-1 (13.58/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1
(15.91/m2),
oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (16.45/m2), mulching with FYM
(16.81/m2), oxyfluorfen 0.50 kg ha-1 (17.45/m2), oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1
(17.79/m2) and oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 (18.00/m2).
At 60 DAT, oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (14.18/m2) behaved
statistically alike with HW at 45 and 60 DAT (16.21/m2), mulching with
leaves (16.40/m2), oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (16.42/m2), HW 45 DAT
(16.48/m2), oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (16.73/m2) farmers’
practice (17.80/m2) and oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1
(18.59/m2), resulted in significantly lower weed density as compared to other
weed control treatments during 2004-05. However, during 2005-06,
minimum weed intensity was recorded in farmers’ practice (16.09/m2), which
was statistically at par with all the treatments except oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1
(20.42/m2), oxyfluorfen 0.50 kg ha-1 (21.52/m2), oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1
(22.15/m2), HW at 60 DAT (27.90/m2) and weedy check (34.19/m2).
At 90 DAT, the minimum weed intensity was recorded with the manual
weeded treatments i.e. HW at 45 and 60 DAT (16.06/m2), which was
statistically at par with farmers’ practice (17.16/m2) and HW at 60 DAT
(17.23/m2). Among herbicidal and mulching treatments, oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-
1
+ HW at 45 DAT (16.84/m2) recorded the minimum weed count followed
by oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (17.10/m2), mulching with leaves (17.32/m2), and
oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (17.93/m2). The maximum weed
intensity was recorded in weedy check (31.57/m2). During second year of
study farmers’ practice (15.96/m2), which was statistically at par with HW at
45 and 60 DAT (17.13/m2), mulching with leaves (17.32/m2), oxadiazon 1.5
kg ha-1 (17.47/m2), HW at 60 DAT (18.10/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW
at 45 DAT (19.52/m2), HW at 45 DAT (19.64/m2) and oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1
+ oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 (20.05/m2), resulted in significantly lower weed
density as compared to other treatments. Weedy check treatment
2
(35.25/m ) recorded significantly highest total weed density.
At harvest, weed free treatment resulted in significantly lowest weed

density. Oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (15.42/m2) behaved statistically alike with

mulching with leaves (16.35/m2), HW at 45 and 60 DAT (17.19/m2),

oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (17.40/m2), HW at 60 DAT

(18.07/m2) and oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (18.18/m2) and

farmers’ practice (18.36/m2), resulted in significantly lower total weed

 density as compared to other treatments during 2004-05. However, during

2005-06, the minimum weed intensity was recorded in mulching with leaves

(15.64/m2), which was statistically at par with oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1

(16.23/m2), farmers’ practice (16.69/m2), HW at 45 and 60 DAT (17.48/m2)

and HW at 60 DAT (18.23/m2), in reducing the total weed density. Weedy

check treatment recorded significantly highest total weed density over all the

other treatments.

The pooled data presented in Table 4.2 showed that oxadiazon 1.5 kg

ha-1 was the most effective weed control practice resulting in minimum weed

density. However, mulching with leaves was equally effective, as oxadiazon

1.5 kg ha-1, in lowering the weed density.

4.1.2.2 Coronopus didymus

A perusal of the data presented in Table 4.3, revealed that different

weed control methods significantly influenced progressive weed count

(No./m2) of Coronopus didymus during both the years of study.

At 30 DAT, oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (8.62/m2) behaved statistically alike

with mulching with leaves (8.66/m2), oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45

DAT (8.97/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (9.28/m2),

oxyfluorfen 0.50 kg ha-1 (9.57/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + oxyfluorfen 0.30

kg ha-1 (9.83/m2) and oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 (9.85/m2), resulted in

significantly lower weed count of Coronopus didymus as compared to other

treatments during 2004-05. Maximum weed intensity was recorded in HW at

60 DAT (18.62/m2) followed by HW at 45 and 60 DAT (18.46/m2) and

farmers’ practice (18.33/m2). During 2005-06, oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1

(7.95/m2) behaved statistically alike only with oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at

45 DAT (8.97/m2). Though weedy check (19.87/m2) at 30 DAT resulted in

highest weed count of Coronopus didymus, however, this treatment was at

par with HW at 60 DAT (18.92/m2), HW at 45 DAT (19.23/m2) and HW at 45

and 60 DAT (19.74/m2).

At 60 DAT, oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (8.30/m2) behaved

statistically alike with oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (8.66/m2),

oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (9.57/m2) and HW at 45 DAT (9.57/m2), resulted in

significantly lower weed count of Coronopus didymus as compared to other

treatments during 2004-05. During 2005-06, the minimum weed intensity

was recorded in oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (8.62/m2) behaved

statistically alike with all other treatments except weedy check (23.41/m2),

HW at 60 DAT (18.92/m2) and oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 (12.25/m2).

At 90 DAT, the minimum weed intensity was recorded in oxadiazon 1.0 kg

ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (8.69/m2), which was statistically at par with

oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (9.25/m2), HW at 45 and 60 DAT

(9.28/m2), oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (9.83/m2), HW at 60 DAT (10.61/m2) and

HW at 45 DAT (10.64/m2). The maximum weed intensity was recorded in

weedy check (18.99/m2) followed by oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 (14.43/m2).

During second year of study, minimum weed count was recorded in HW at

45 and 60 DAT (9.16/m2), which was statistically at par with oxadiazon 1.5

kg ha-1 (9.83/m2), mulching with leaves (10.37/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 +

HW at 45 DAT (10.60/m2), mulching with FYM (10.61/m2), farmers’ practice

(10.61/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + oxyflurofen 0.30 kg ha-1 (10.80/m2) and

HW at 60 DAT (10.84/m2), treatments in reducing the weed count of

Coronopus didymus. The highest weed count was observed in weedy check

(23.63/m2) treatment.

At harvest it was observed that oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT

(8.20/m2) treatment resulted in significantly lowest weed count as compared
to other treatments, which was statistically at par with mulching with leaves
(8.88/m2), oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (8.90/m2), HW at 45 and 60 DAT (9.83/m2)
and oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (10.07/m2), during 2004-05.
However, during 2005-06, oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (10.61/m2), which was
statistically at par with all other treatments except oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1
(13.08/m2) and weedy check (22.84/m2) in reducing the weed count of
Coronopus didymus.
From the pooled data presented in Table 4.3, it was observed that oxadiazon
1.5 kg ha-1 gave minimum weed intensity at 30 DAT and at harvest stage,
however, at 60 DAT minimum weed intensity was recorded under the
influence of oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT, which was statistically
at par with oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT and oxadiazon 1.5 kg
ha-1. At 90 DAT, minimum weed intensity was recorded from HW at 45 and
60 DAT, which was statistically at par with oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1, oxyfluorfen
0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT and mulching with leaves.
 4.1.2.3 Poa annua
A perusal of the data presented in Table 4.4, revealed that progressive weed
count of Poa annua was significantly influenced by different weed control
methods during both the years.
-1 2
At 30 DAT, oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha (6.29/m ) resulted in significantly lowest weed

count of Poa annua as compared to other treatments during 2004-05, which was statistically alike
-1 2 -1 2 -1
with oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha (7.25/m ), oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha (7.53/m ) and oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha
2 -1 -1
+ HW at 45 DAT (7.89/m ). During 2005-06, oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha + oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha
2 2 -1 2 -1
(6.57/m ), mulching with leaves (6.99/m ), oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha (6.99/m ), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha
2 2 -1 2
(7.53/m ), farmers‟ practice (7.53/m ), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (8.30/m ), mulching
2 -1 2
with FYM (8.97/m ) and oxyfluorfen 0.50 kg ha (9.23/m ) were statistically at par and gave

significantly lower weed count than rest of the treatments. Highest weed count was recorded in
2 2
HW at 60 DAT (11.08/m ) and weedy check (10.84/m ).

At 60 DAT, the minimum weed intensity was recorded in oxadiazon 1.0 kg

ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (7.53/m2), HW at 45 and 60 DAT (7.53/m2) and
farmers’ practice (7.53/m2), which was statistically at par with
oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1
 (7.89/m2), HW at 45 DAT (7.94/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 (8.30/m2),
oxyflurofen 0.30 kg ha-1 (8.97/m2) and oxyflurofen 0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45
DAT (9.28/m2). However, during 2005-06, farmers’ practice (6.57/m2),
oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (7.34/m2), oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1
(7.53/m2), oxyflurofen 0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (8.20/m2), HW at
45 and 60 DAT (8.21/m2), HW at 45 DAT (8.30/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 +
oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 (8.66/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 (8.66/m2) resulted
in significantly lower and statistically at par weed count. Highest weed count
of Poa annua was observed in weedy check treatment (12.68/m2).
At 90 DAT, only HW at 45 and 60 DAT treatment resulted in significantly
lowest weed count of Poa annua as compared to other treatments during
2004-05. Highest weed count of Poa annua was recorded in weedy check
(12.23/m2), which was statistically at par with oxyfluorfen 0.50 kg ha-1
(11.34/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 (10.84/m2),
mulching with FYM (10.84/m2). During 2005-06, minimum weed count was
recorded in HW at 45 and 60 DAT (7.43/m2), which were statistically at par
with all other treatments except weedy check (13.27/m2), oxyfluorfen 0.50
kg ha-1 (11.32/m2), oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 (11.10/m2) and mulching with
FYM (10.35/m2).
At harvest, during 2004-05, among different weed control treatments, HW at 45 and
2 -1 2
60 DAT (6.58/m ) and oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (7.89/m ), resulted in statistically at

par and significantly lower weed count of Poa annua as compared to other treatments. However,
2
during 2005-06, HW at 45 DAT (7.67/m ) recorded the minimum Poa annua density, which was
2
statistically at par with all other treatments except weedy check (12.15/m ), oxyfluorfen 0.50 kg
-1 2 -1 2 2
ha (11.76/m ), oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha (10.61/m ) and mulching with FYM (10.61/m ).

The pooled data revealed minimum weed intensity under the influence of
oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 at 30 DAT, which was statistically at par with
oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1, oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 ,
mulching with leaves, oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT and farmers’
practice. At 60 DAT, the trend was different. At this stage minimum weed
intensity was recorded in farmer’s practice followed by oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1
+ HW at 45 DAT. At 90 DAT and at harvest, HW at 45 and 60 DAT treatment
were the best for controlling weeds.
4.1.2.4 Cyperus rotundus

A perusal of the data presented in Table 4.5, revealed that different weed control

methods significantly influenced progressive weed count of Cyperus rotundus during both the

years.
 At 30 DAT, weed free treatment, behaving statistically alike to all other treatments
2 2 2
except weedy check (5.98/m ), HW at 60 DAT (5.62/m ), HW at 45 and 60 DAT (4.66/m ),
-1 2 2
oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (4.66/m ) and farmers‟ practice (4.12/m ) recorded

minimum weed density during 2004-05. However, during 2005-06, mulching with leaves
2 2 -1 -1 2
(1.00/m ), weed free (1.00/m ), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha + oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha (2.04/m ),
-1 2 2
oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha (3.08/m ) and farmers‟ practice (3.08/m ) resulted in reducing the weed
2
count of Cyperus rotundus. Weedy check (6.83/m ) treatment resulted in the highest weed count

of Cyperus rotundus.
 2
At 60 DAT, it was observed that weed free (1.00/m ) resulted in significantly lowest
-
progressive weed count of Cyperus rotundus This treatment was at par with oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha
1 2 2 -1 2
+ HW at 45 DAT (1.00/m ), HW at 45 DAT (2.04/m ), oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha (3.08/m ), farmers‟
2 -1 2
practice (3.08/m ) and oxyfluorfen 0.50 kg ha (3.08/m ) during 2004-05. During 2005-06, weed
2 -1 2
free (1.00/m ), behaving statistically alike with oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha (2.04/m resulted in

significantly lowest weed count of Cyperus rotundus as compared to other treatments.

2
Significantly highest weed count was recorded in weedy check treatment (8.56/m ), which was
2
statistically at par with HW at 45 DAT (6.94/m ).
2
At 90 DAT, it was found that weed free (1.00/m ), resulted in significantly lowest
-1
progressive weed count. During 2004-05, this treatment was at par with oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha
2 -1 2
(3.08/m ) and oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (3.08/m ). However, during 2005-06, weed
2 2 -1 2
free (1.00/m ), farmers‟ practice (2.04/m ), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (2.04/m ), HW
2 -1 -1 2
at 45 and 60 DAT (3.08/m ), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha + oxyflurofen 0.30 kg ha (3.08/m ) and
-1 2
oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha (3.08/m ), resulted in significantly reducing the weed count of Cyperus

rotundus as compared to other treatments. Significantly highest weed count was recorded in
2 2
weedy check (8.70/m ), which was statistically at par with HW at 45 DAT (6.83/m ), mulching with
2 -1 2 -1
FYM (6.03/m ), oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (5.98/m ) and oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha
2
(5.98/m ).

At harvest, it was observed that weed free (1.00/m2) treatment, behaving

statistically alike with oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + at 45 DAT (2.04/m2) resulted
in significantly lowest progressive weed count of Cyperus rotundus during
2004-05. Weedy check (8.88/m2) followed by HW at 60 DAT (5.62/m2)
resulted in highest weed count of Cyperus rotundus at this stage. However,
during 2005-06, weed free (1.00/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + oxyfluorfen
0.30 kg ha-1 (2.04/m2), mulching with leaves (2.04/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-
1
(3.08/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (3.08/m2), HW at 45 and
60 DAT (3.08/m2), farmers’ practice (4.12/m2), HW at 60 DAT (4.12/m2) and
oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 (4.12/m2) resulted in statistically at par and
significantly lowest weed count as compared to other treatments.
Significantly highest weed count of Cyperus rotundus at harvest was
recorded in weedy check treatment (7.92/m2).
From the pooled data at 30 DAT, revealed that minimum weed intensity
recorded under the influence of oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + oxyflurofen 0.30 kg
 ha-1, which was statistically at par with oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1, mulching with
leaves and oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT. At 60 DAT, minimum
weed intensity was recorded in the treatment oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 only,
however at the 90 DAT and harvest, the minimum weed intensity was
recorded in oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT.
4.1.2.5 Medicago denticulata

The contents of Table 4.6, revealed that different weed control methods significantly

influenced progressive weed count of Medicago denticulata during both the years.

At 30 DAT, it was observed that progressive weed count was significantly

influenced by different weed control treatments during 2004-05. Weed free
treatment (1.00/m2), behaving statistically alike to oxadiazon 1.5 kg
ha-1 (1.00/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (1.00/m2), oxadiazon
1.0 kg ha-1 + oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 (2.04/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1
(3.08/m2), mulching with FYM (3.08/m2), HW at 45 DAT (3.08/m2),
oxyfluorfen 0.50 kg ha-1 (3.08/m2) and weedy check (3.08/m2) recorded
significantly lowest weed count as compared to other treatments. During
2005-06, weed free treatment (1.00/m2), which was statistically at par with
oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 (1.00/m2), mulching with leaves (1.00/m2), oxyfluorfen
0.50 kg ha-1 (2.04/m2), oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 (2.04/m2), oxyfluorfen 0.30
kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (2.04/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT
(2.04/m2), oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (3.08/m2) and HW at 60 DAT (3.08/m2) in
reducing the weed count of Medicago denticulata. Farmers’ practice
(6.40/m2) resulted in the highest weed count of Medicago denticulata at this
stage.
At 60 DAT, it was found that weed free (1.00/m2), resulted in
significantly reducing the progressive weed count. This treatment was at par
with oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (2.04/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT
(3.08/m2), farmers’ practice (3.08/m2), HW at 45 DAT (3.08/m2) and
Mulching with FYM (3.08/m2) during 2004-05. Maximum weed count was
recorded in weedy check (7.37/m2), which was statistically at par with
oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 (5.62/m2) and oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45
DAT (5.43/m2). During 2005-06, weed free (1.00/m2), HW at 45 DAT
(2.04/m2) and oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DA.T (3.08/m2), resulted in
significantly lowest weed count of Medicago denticulata as compared to
other treatments. Significantly highest weed count was recorded in weedy
check treatment (5.20/m2).
At 90 DAT, it was found that weed free (1.00/m2), resulted in

significantly lowest weed count. During 2004-05, this treatment was at par

with oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (2.04/m2) and farmers’ practice (3.08/m2).

However, during 2005-06, weed free (1.00/m2), HW at 45 and 60 DAT

(2.19/m2), HW at 45 DAT (3.08/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT

(3.08/m2), farmers’ practice (3.62/m2), oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (4.12/m2) and

mulching with leaves (4.12/m2), resulted in significantly reducing the weed

count of Medicago denticulata as compared to other treatments. Maximum

weed count of Medicago denticulata was recorded in oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1

(8.56/m2).
 2 -1
At harvest, it was observed that weed free (1.00/m ) and in oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha
2
(1.00/m ), resulted in significantly lowest progressive weed count of Medicago denticulata during
2
2004-05. Weedy check (7.25/m ), resulted in the highest weed count, which was statistically at
2 -1 2
par with HW at 45 DAT (6.83/m ), oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (5.62/m ), oxyfluorfen
-1 2 -1 2
0.30 kg ha (5.62/m ) and oxyfluorfen 0.50 kg ha (5.20/m ). However, during 2005-06, weed free
2
(1.00/m ), resulted in significantly lowest progressive weed count, which was statistically at par
-1 2 2
with oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha (2.04/m ), HW at 45 and 60 DAT (2.04/m ), mulching with leaves
2 -1 2 2
(3.08/m ) oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (4.12/m ) and HW at 45 DAT (4.12/m ).
2
Significantly highest weed count of Medicago denticulata was recorded in weedy check (6.83/m )

treatment.

The pooled data revealed minimum weed intensity under the influence of oxadiazon
-1
1.0 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT at 30 DAT, however at 60 DAT, the minimum weed count was
-1
recorded under HW at 45 DAT. At 90 DAT and at harvest oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha treatment was

the best for controlling of Medicago denticulata.

4.1.2.6 Ageratum conyzoides

The data pertaining to progressive weed count of Ageratum conyzoides is presented

in Table 4.7. A perusal of Table revealed that different weed control methods significantly

influenced progressive weed count of Ageratum conyzoides during both the years.
2
At 30 DAT, weed free treatment (1.00/m ), behaving statistically alike to farmers „
2 -1 2 2
practice (1.00/m ), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha (1.00/m ), mulching with leaves (2.04/m ), oxadiazon 1.5
-1 2 2 -1
kg ha (2.04/m ), mulching with FYM (2.04/m ) and oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT
2
(2.04/m ), resulted in significantly lowest weed count as compared to other treatments during
2
2004-05. During 2005-06, weed free treatment (1.00/m ), which were statistically at par with
2 2
mulching with leaves (1.00/m ) and HW at 60 DAT (2.04/m ) exhibited the minimum weed count
2
of Ageratum conyzoides. HW at 45 and 60 DAT (5.20/m ) during 2004-05 and oxyfluorfen 0.50
-1 2
kg ha (4.66/m ) during 2005-06 resulted in the highest weed count of Ageratum conyzoides.
2
At 60 DAT, it was observed that weed free (1.00/m ) treatment, resulted in

significantly lowest progressive weed count of Ageratum conyzoides. This treatment was at par
-1 2 -1 2
with oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha (2.04/m ), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (2.04/m ),
 -1 2 2
oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (2.04/m ), HW at 45 and 60 DAT (2.04/m ) and farmers‟
2 2
practice (2.04/m ) during 2004-05. During 2005-06, weed free (1.00/m ), behaved statistically
-1 2 2
alike with oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (2.04/m ) and mulching with FYM (2.04/m ),

resulted in significantly lowest weed count of

Ageratum conyzoides as compared to other treatments. Significantly highest weed count of
-1 2
Ageratum conyzoides was recorded in oxyfluorfen 0.50 kg ha (5.20/m ) treatment.
2
At 90 DAT, it was observed that weed free (1.00/m ) resulted in significantly reduced
2
weed count. During 2004-05, this treatment was at par with farmers‟ practice (1.00/m ),
-1 2 2 2
oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha (2.04/m ), HW at 45 and 60 DAT (2.04/m ), HW at 60 DAT (3.08/m ),
-1 2 -1 2
oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (3.08/m ) and oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha (3.08/m ). However,
2 -1 2
during 2005-06, weed free (1.00/m ), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (2.04/m ), HW at 45
2 2
DAT (3.08/m ) and HW at 60 DAT (3.08/m ) significantly reduced the weed count of Ageratum

conyzoides as compared to other treatments. Significantly highest weed count of Ageratum

2 -1 2
conyzoides was recorded in weedy check treatment (5.98/m ), oxyfluorfen 0.50 kg ha (5.98/m )
-1 2
and oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha (5.98/m ).
2
At harvest, it was observed that weed free treatment (1.00/m ) which was statistically
-1 2 2
alike with oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha (2.04/m ), HW at 45 and 60 DAT (2.04/m ), farmers‟ practice
2 -1 2 -1 2
(2.04/m ), oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha (3.08/m ), oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (3.08/m ),
2 -1 2
HW at 60 DAT (3.08/m ) and oxyfluorfen 0.50 kg ha (3.62/m ), resulted in significantly lowest

progressive weed count during 2004-05. However, the differences among various weed control

treatments were non-significant during 2005-06.

The pooled data Table 4.7 revealed that minimum weed intensity was
recorded under the influence of mulching with leaves at 30 DAT. At 60 and
90 DAT, the trend was different. At this stage minimum weed intensity was
recorded in oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT. At harvest HW at 45 and
60 DAT was the best for minimum weed intensity, which was at par with all
the treatments except oxyfluorfen 0.50 kg ha-1, mulching with leaves, HW at
45 DAT and weedy check.
4.1.2.7 Other weeds

A perusal of the data presented in Table 4.8 revealed that different weed
control methods significantly influenced progressive weed count (No./m2) of
other weeds during both the years.
At 30 DAT, mulching with leaves (4.12/m2) treatment resulted in
significantly lowest weed count as compared to other treatments during
2004-05. The next best treatment in the year 2004-05 was oxadiazon 1.5 kg
ha-1 (6.99/m2), oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 (8.88/m2) and mulching
 with FYM (8.88/m2) resulted in significantly lower weed count of other weeds
as compared to other treatments. During 2005-06, mulching with leaves
(4.66/m2) and oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (4.66/m2) recorded reduced weed
count of other weeds. Weedy check treatment (15.77/m2), resulted in
highest weed count of other weeds, which was statistically at par with HW at
60 DAT (14.78/m2), HW at 45 and 60 DAT (14.60/m2) and HW at 45 DAT
(13.84/m2).
2
At 60 DAT, mulching with leaves treatment (4.66/m ) resulted in significantly lowest

progressive weed count during 2004-05. Among different weed control treatments HW at 45 and
2 -1 2
60 DAT (7.25/m ) and oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (7.25/m ) gave significantly lower

weed count of other weeds as compared to other treatments. During 2005-06, farmers‟

practice
 2
(6.57/m ) resulted in significantly lowest progressive weed count of other weeds. Among different
2
weed control treatments mulching with leaves (7.25/m ), behaving statistically alike with mulching
2 -1 2 -
with FYM (7.89/m ), oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (8.50/m ) and oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha
1 2
(8.97/m ), resulted in lower weed count of other weeds. The maximum weed count was
2
observed in weedy check treatment (18.18/m ).
2
At 90 DAT, mulching with leaves (4.66/m ) treatment resulted in significantly lowest

weed count as compared to other treatments. Among different weed control this treatment was at
2 2
par with HW at 60 DAT (5.20/m ) and farmers‟ practice (6.57/m ), resulted in significantly lower

weed count of other weeds as compared to other treatments during 2004-05. During 2005-06,
2 2
farmers‟ practice (5.62/m ), which was statistically at par with mulching with leaves (7.25/m ),

resulted in lower weed count of other weeds. The maximum weed count of other weeds was
2
observed in weedy check treatment (18.42/m ).

At harvest, it was observed that mulching with leaves (6.52/m2) treatment

resulted in significantly lowest weed count as compared to other treatments.

During 2004-05, HW at 60 DAT (6.59/m2), oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (7.89/m2),

oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (8.30/m2) and farmers’ practice

(8.31/m2), resulted in statistically at par and significantly lower weed count

of other weeds as compared to other treatments. During 2005-06, weed free

(1.00/m2) treatment resulted in significantly lowest weed count as compared

to other treatments, and this was at par with mulching with leaves

(3.08/m2). The maximum weed count of other weeds was observed in weedy

check treatment (13.89/m2).

The pooled data on other weeds, which appeared under the influence of

different treatments during both the years of experimentation, are presented

in Table 4.8. Mulching with leaves was the most effective weed control
 practice, resulting in minimum weed intensity at all the stages of crop

growth, which was statistically at par with oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1.

4.1.3 Weed dry matter

-2
The data pertaining to total dry matter of weeds (g m ) is presented in Table 4.9 and

Fig. 4.2. A perusal of table revealed that different weed control methods significantly influenced

total dry matter of weeds during both the years of study.

At 30 DAT, weed free treatment (1.00 g/m2), resulted in significantly lowest

total dry matter of weeds as compared to other treatments. Among different

weed control treatments oxidiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (5.63 g/m2), behaving

statistically alike with mulching with leaves (5.63 g/m2), resulted in

significantly lower total dry matter of weeds as compared to other

treatments during 2004-05. During 2005-06, mulching with leaves (4.79

g/m2) followed by oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (5.18 g/m2) and oxadiazon 1.0 kg

ha-1 + oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 (6.98 g/m2), resulted in significantly lower

total dry matter. Weedy check treatment (11.15 g/m2) resulted in the

highest total dry matter of weeds.

-1 2
At 60 DAT, oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (5.78 g/m ), resulted in

significantly lowest dry matter as compared to other treatments followed by oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg
-1 2 2
ha + HW at 45 DAT (6.49 g/m ) and HW at 45 DAT (7.52 g/m ) treatments resulted in

significantly lowest total dry matter as compared to other treatments during 2004-05. However,
-1 2
during 2005-06, oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (6.14 g/m ) and this was followed by
 -1 2 2
oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha + HW at 45 DAT (7.31 g/m ) and farmers‟ practice (7.73 g/m ). The
-2
maximum total dry matter of weeds was observed in weedy check treatment (15.27 g m ).
2 -1
At 90 DAT, HW at 45 and 60 DAT (12.10 g/m ) and oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha (12.10
2
g/m ) treatments, resulted in significantly lowest total dry matter of weeds as compared to other
2
treatments during 2004-05. During 2005-06, HW at 45 and 60 DAT (11.64 g/m ) treatment
-1 2
showed that lowest weed dry weight of weeds followed by oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha (12.10 g/m ),
2 2
farmers‟ practice (12.66 g/m ) and mulching with leaves (12.71 g/m ). The highest total dry matter
2
of weeds was observed in weedy check (18.26 g/m ) treatment.

At harvest, it was observed that oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (12.85 g/m2)

treatment resulted in significantly lowest total dry matter of weeds as

compared to other treatments. During 2004-05, among different weed

control treatments, mulching with leaves (13.20 g/m2) followed by HW at 45

and 60 DAT (13.71 g/m2), resulted in lower total dry matter of weeds as

compared to other treatments. During 2005-06, farmers’ practice (13.44

g/m2) followed by oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (13.80 g/m2) and mulching with

leaves (13.92 g/m2), resulted in lower total dry matter of weeds. Weedy

check (19.96 g/m2), treatment resulted in highest total dry matter of weeds.

The pooled data revealed that mulching with leaves followed by oxadiazon

1.5 kg ha-1 significantly reduced the dry weight accumulation by weeds at 30

DAT and at harvest stage. At 60 DAT stage, minimum dry matter

accumulation was recorded in oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT

followed by farmers‘ practice. However, at 90 DAT, HW at 45 and 60 DAT

treatment recorded minimum dry matter accumulation.

4.1.4 Weed control efficiency

The data on weed control efficiency as affected by different weed control

treatments, have been presented in Table 4.10 and Fig 4.3. At 30 DAT, it is

evident from the data that the highest weed control efficiency was found in

oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (73.56 and 79.01 per cent) and mulching with leaves

(73.51 and 82.12 per cent), respectively during 2004-05 and 2005-06. At 60

DAT, oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (84.81 and 84.18 per cent)

followed by oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (80.71 and 77.43 per

cent), resulted in highest weed control efficiency during 2004-05 and 2005-

06, respectively. However, at 90 DAT oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (54.93 and 52.92

per cent) and HW at 45 and 60 DAT (54.93 and 59.50 per cent) resulted in

the highest weed control efficiency during 2004-05 and 2005-06,

respectively. At harvest, the maximum weed control efficiency was observed

in oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (57.50 and 52.32) and mulching with leaves (55.10

and 51.52), respectively during 2004-05 and 2005-06. Oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg

ha-1 (41.45 and 26.80 per cent) was the least effective in controlling weeds

during both the years of study.

The pooled data revealed that mulching with leaves followed by oxadiazon

1.5 kg ha-1 were the best practices in terms of weed control efficiency at 30

DAT stage. The poorest performing practice at this stage included HW at 45

DAT, HW at 60 DAT, HW at 45 and 60 DAT and farmers’ practice.

At 60 DAT, oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT recorded the highest

weed control efficiency followed by oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45

DAT. The other treatments in decreasing order of weed control efficiency

were farmers’ practice and then HW at 45 DAT. The poorest performing

practice was HW at 60 DAT during both the years.

 At 90 DAT, HW at 45 and 60 DAT resulted into the maximum weed control

efficiency and was followed by oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 and mulching with

leaves. The poorest performing treatments at this stage included both the

levels of oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 and 0.50 kg ha-1 and lower level of

oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1.

At harvest stage, the maximum weed control efficiency was recorded with

oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 followed by mulching with leaves, farmers’ practice and

HW at 45 and 60 DAT. The poorest performing practice at this stage

included both the levels of oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 and 0.50 kg ha-1.

4.2 Crop studies

The data was recorded on various yield and yield attributes viz., plant height (cm),
2
number of leaves per plant, plant spread (cm ), days taken to 50 per cent marketable maturity,
-1
per cent marketable curd formation, average curd weight (kg), total yield (q ha ) and marketable
-1
yield (q ha ).

4.2.1 Phytotoxic effects of herbicides

No phytotoxic effect of any herbicide on crop plants was

noticed during both the years of experimentation.

4.2.2 Plant height (cm)

The results emanating from the data recorded on plant height at different crop growth

stages during both the years showed significant differences among treatments except plant

height 30 DAT during 2005-06 (Table 4.11 and Fig. 4.4).

At 30 DAT, significant differences among treatments were noticed for plant

height during 2004-05 and in pooled analysis, while in 2005-06 different

treatments could not exert significant effect in plant height. The range of

plant
 height varied from 13.65 (weedy check) to 19.84 cm (mulching with leaves)
and 12.26 cm (HW at 45 and 60 DAT) to 16.85 cm (mulching with leaves),
during 2004-05 and pooled analysis, respectively. Except weed free,
oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 and farmers’ practice during 2004-05 and pooled
analysis and oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 during 2004-
2005 only, which were observed statistically at par with the top scoring
treatment (mulching with leaves). All the remaining treatments were found
to be at par with the treatment exhibiting minimum plant height during
2004-05 and pooled analysis.
At 60 DAT, significant differences among treatments were observed for plant
height. All the treatments had significantly taller plants than weedy check
except HW at 60 DAT during 2004-05 and pooled analysis and except HW at
60 DAT, oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1, HW at 45 DAT, HW at 45 and 60 DAT,
oxyfluorfen 0.50 kg ha-1 and oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 during 2005-06. The
maximum plant height (44.35, 30.83, 37.59 cm) was observed in weed free,
while the minimum (23.25, 18.20, 20.72 cm) in weedy check during 2004-
05, 2005-06 and pooled analysis, respectively. The maximum plant height
was statistically at par with oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT, mulching
with leaves and oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 during 2004-05, 2005-06 and pooled
analysis, respectively.
At 90 DAT, the range of plant height varied from 26.20 (weedy check) to
48.20 cm (weed free), 21.50 (oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1) to 39.20 cm
(oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1) and 24.80 (weedy check) to 43.60 cm (weed free),
during 2004-05, 2005-06 and pooled analysis and oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 +
HW at 45 DAT during 2004-05 and weed free during 2005-06 only were
found statistically at par with the treatment exhibiting the maximum plant
height. Out of 15 treatments evaluated Hw at 60 DAT during 2004-05, HW at
45 and 60 DAT, weedy check, HW at 45 DAT during 2005-06 did not
revealed any significant increase in plant height and performed statistically at
par with the treatments exhibiting the minimum plant height. All the
treatments in pooled analysis were found superior to weedy check.
Plant height at harvest was found minimum in weedy check (28.10, 24.00
and 26.05 cm) and maximum in weed free (49.80, 43.70 and 46.75 cm)
during 2004-05, 2005-06 and pooled analysis, respectively. As many as 5, 4
and 2 treatments were found statically at par with weed free during both the
years and pooled analysis. HW at 60 DAT during both the years of study and
pooled analysis and oxfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1, HW at 45 and 60 DAT and HW
at 45 DAT during 2005-06 only did not express any significant increase in
plant height and were found statistically at par with weedy check.
4.2.3 Number of leaves per plant
 The data on number of leaves per plant was recorded during both
the years of experimentation and tabulated in Table 4.12. The number of
functional leaves per plant of cauliflower increased up to harvest.
At 30 DAT, different treatments exhibited significant effect of number
of leaves during 2004-05 and pooled analysis, while no significant differences
for number of leaves were observed during 2005-06. Number of leaves
varied from 5.07 (HW at 45 and 60 DAT) to 8.33 (oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha -1) and
4.70 (HW at 45 and 60 DAT) to 6.67 (oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1) during 2004-05
and pooled analysis.
As many as 8 and 11 treatments were also observed statistically at par with

oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 during 2004-05 and pooled analysis. No significant

increases in number of leaves were noticed in HW at 60 DAT, HW at 45 DAT

and weedy check and were found statistically at par with HW at 45 and 60

DAT.

At 60 DAT, significant differences in number of leaves per plant were

observed during 2004-05 and pooled analysis, while all the treatments were

found statistically at par (non-significant) during 2005-06. Number of leaves

per plant varied from 8.1 and 7.55 (weedy check) to 12.47 and 10.75

(oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1) during 2004-05 and pooled analysis, respectively.

During 2004-05, a total of 9 treatments during 2004-05 and 7 during pooled

analysis were found statistically at par with oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1, which

exhibited the maximum number of leaves during 2004-05 and pooled

analysis, respectively.

At 90 DAT, significant differences among the treatments were

observed for number of leaves per plant during both the years of study and

pooled analysis. Weed free recorded the maximum number of leaves per

plant (15.50 and 14.15) during 2004-05, and pooled analysis, while

oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 recorded the maximum number of leaves per plant

during 2005-06. The minimum numbers of leaves per plant were recorded in

weedy check condition and both the years and pooled analysis. During 2004-

05, except HW at 60 DAT, oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1, oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1,

HW at 45 DAT and weedy check all other treatments were found statistically
 at par with weed free. During 2005-06 mulching with leaves, oxadiazon 1.0

kg ha-1+ HW at 45 DAT, farmers’ practice and weed free were also found

statistically at par with top scoring treatments (oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1).

During pooled analysis as many as 7 other treatments were found

statistically at par with weed free.

At harvest significant differences were observed in treatment for

number of leaves per plant during both the years and pooled analysis. The
maximum numbers of leaves (16.13 and 14.67) were observed in weed free,
while the minimum (9.13 and 9.22) in weedy check during 2004-05 and
pooled analysis, respectively. Apart from oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 and mulching
with either leaves or FYM, oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT during
2004-05 and farmers’ practices during pooled analysis were also observed
statistically at par with weed free. Mulching with leaves either FYM, farmers’
practice, oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1, oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT
were found statistically at par with top scoring oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 .
4.2.4 Plant spread (cm2)
The data on plant spread was recorded during both the years and
has been presented in Table 4.13. At 30 DAT, significant differences among
the treatments were observed for plant spread. The maximum plant spread
during 2004-05 were observed with mulching with FYM (301.25 cm 2)
followed by oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1 (291.64 cm2),
oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (290.45 cm2) and oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-
1
(288.41 cm2). During 2005-06, the maximum plant spread was observed in
weed free (218.15 cm2), which was statistically at par with oxadiazon 1.0 kg
ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (215.05 cm2), like wise in pooled analysis oxadiazon
1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT showed maximum plant spread (252.75 cm 2) and
was statistically at par with oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-
1
(251.54 cm2), oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (250.60 cm2),
mulching with FYM (250.31 cm2). The plant spread observed to be the

minimum (262.90 and 233.16 cm2) in HW at 45 DAT during 2004-05 and

pooled analysis, respectively, while in 2005-06 the minimum plant spread

was observed in HW at 60 DAT (197.43 cm2).

Weed free at 60 DAT, surpassed significantly over other treatments for plant

spread (996.85, 891.72 and 944.29 cm2) during 2004-05, 2005-06 and

pooled analysis, respectively. The spread of plant was minimum (338.89,

315.53 and 327.21 cm2) in weedy check during both the years and pooled

analysis. The other treatments, which had appreciable spread of plants, were

mulching with leaves and oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 during 2004-05 and pooled

analysis. Farmers’ practice, mulching with leaves, oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 +

HW at 45 DAT and oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 during 2005-06.

At 90 DAT, also weed free recorded the maximum plant spread (1826.72,

1827.95 and 1827.34 cm2), while weedy check exhibited the minimum

spread of plants (786.92, 688.711 and 737.81 cm2) during 2004-05, 2005-06

and pooled analysis, respectively. The other treatments, which revealed

good plant spread were mulching with leaves and oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1

during both the years and pooled analysis and mulching with FYM during

2005-06 and pooled analysis only.

At harvest stage, weed free maintained the maximum plant spread

(2056.81, 1905.11 and 1980.96 cm2) followed by mulching with leaves

(1935.42, 1716.39 and 1825.91 cm2) and oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (1909.48,

1826.32 and 1867.90 cm2), while the minimum (985.54, 915.21,and 950.38
cm2) plant spread was noticed in weedy check condition during 2004-05,

2005-06 and pooled analysis respectively.

4.2.5 Days taken to 50 per cent marketable maturity

Significant differences among the treatments was observed for days taken to

50 per cent marketable maturity during both the years and pooled analysis.

The range for this trait varied from 96.00 (oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1) to 105.00

days (oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1), 99.00 (oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1) and oxadiazon

1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT to 105 days (mulching with FYM, oxyflurofen

0.30 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT) and 97.50 (oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha ha-1) to

104.50 days (oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1), during 2004-05, 2005-06 and pooled

analysis, respectively. As many as 7, 6 and 3 treatments were also observed

statistically at par with the best treatment during 2004-05, 2005-06 and

pooled analysis, respectively (Table 4.14).

4.2.6 Per cent marketable curd formation

The maximum percentage of marketable curd (73.33, 56.67 and 65.00 per

cent) was observed in weed free, while the minimum (40.00, 28.33 and

34.17 per cent) in weed check during 2004-05, 2005-06 and pooled analysis

respectively. Oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW at 45 DAT (53.33 per cent) was

observed statistically at par with weed free during 2005-06. The other

treatments, which followed weed free, were oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (65.33
 and 57.33 per cent) and mulching with leaves (65.33 and 57.33 per cent)

during 2004-05 and pooled analysis, respectively and farmers’ practice

(49.33 per cent) during pooled analysis only (Table 4.15 and Fig. 4.5).

Table 4.14: Effect of weed control treatments on days taken to 50 per cent
marketable maturity

Treatments Rate Days taken to 50 per cent marketable maturity

-1
(kg ha )
2004-2005 2005-06 Pooled

Oxadiazon 1.0 99.00 99.67 99.33

Oxadiazon 1.5 96.00 99.00 97.50

Oxyfluorfen 0.30 105.00 104.00 104.50

Oxyfluorfen 0.50 97.00 101.00 99.00

Oxadiazon +Oxyfluorfen 1.0 + 0.30 98.00 104.00 101.00

Oxadiazon 1.0 kg + HW at 45 99.67 99.00 99.33

DAT

Oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg + HW at 101.00 105.00 103.00

45 DAT

Mulching with FYM 102.00 105.00 101.50

Mulching with leaves 99.00 104.00 101.50

HW at 45 DAT 104.00 100.00 102.00

HW at 60 DAT 102.00 104.00 103.00

HW at 45 and 60 DAT 100.00 101.00 100.50

Farmers‟ practice 100.00 103.00 101.50

Weed free 100.00 102.00 101.00

Weedy check 103.00 103.00 103.00

CD (P<0.05) 4.17 4.05 2.84

HW = Hand weeding
DAT = Days after transplanting
Table 4.15: Effect of weed control treatments on per cent marketable curd
formation

Treatments Rate Per cent marketable curd formation

-1
(kg ha )
2004-2005 2005-06 Pooled

Oxadiazon 1.0 44.00 32.00 38.00

Oxadiazon 1.5 65.33 49.33 57.33

Oxyfluorfen 0.30 46.67 33.33 40.00

Oxyfluorfen 0.50 50.67 40.00 45.34

Oxadiazon +Oxyfluorfen 1.0 + 0.30 52.00 29.33 40.67

Oxadiazon 1.0 kg + HW at 57.33 53.33 55.33

45 DAT

Oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg + HW 50.67 30.67 40.67

at 45 DAT

Mulching with FYM 53.33 44.00 48.67

Mulching with leaves 65.33 49.33 57.33

HW at 45 DAT 49.33 37.33 43.33

HW at 60 DAT 46.67 40.00 43.33

HW at 45 and 60 DAT 52.00 34.67 43.33

Farmers‟ practice 48.00 50.67 49.33

Weed free 73.33 56.67 65.00

Weedy check 40.00 28.33 34.17

CD (P<0.05) 4.53 5.46 3.47

HW = Hand weeding
DAT = Days after transplanting
 4.2.7 Average curd weight (kg)

During 2004-05, 2005-06 and pooled analysis, the maximum average

curd weight (0.728, 0.697 and 0.713 kg) was observed in weed free,
respectively. Oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (0.695 kg) was observed statistically at
par with weed free during 2004-05. The maximum curd weight was recorded
in oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 and mulching with leaves during pooled analysis and
farmers’ practice during 2005-06 only. The minimum curd weight 0.308 kg
was observed in weedy check condition during both the years and pooled
analysis (Table 4.16 and Fig. 4.6).
4.2.8 Yield
4.2.8.1 Total yield (q ha-1)
Significantly maximum total yield (223.21, 206.91 and 215.06 q ha-1)
was observed in weed free, while the minimum (46.91, 69.63 and 58.27 q
ha-1) was obtained in weedy check during 2004-05, 2005-06 and pooled
analysis, respectively. The other treatments which gave good total yield were
oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (176.31, 183.71 and 180.00 q ha-1), mulching with
leaves (176.30, 182.72 and 179.51 q ha-1) and oxadiazon 1.0 kg ha-1 + HW
at 45 DAT (175.80, 177.78 and 176.79 q ha-1) during 2004-05, 2005-06 and
pooled analysis, respectively (Table 4.17 Fig. 4.7).
4.2.8.2 Marketable yield (q ha-1)
Significant differences among the treatments were observed for
marketable yield during 2004-05, the maximum marketable yield (172.15 q
ha-1) was observed in weed free followed by oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (162.47 q
ha-1) and mulching with leaves (153.04 q ha-1). Weed free also
gave the maximum

Table 4.16: Effect of weed control treatments on average curd weight (kg) at
harvest

Treatments Rate Average curd weight

-1
(kg ha )
2004-2005 2005-06 Pooled

Oxadiazon 1.0 0.540 0.490 0.515

Oxadiazon 1.5 0.695 0.609 0.652

Oxyfluorfen 0.30 0.428 0.317 0.373

Oxyfluorfen 0.50 0.445 0.540 0.493

Oxadiazon +Oxyfluorfen 1.0 + 0.30 0.528 0.329 0.429

Oxadiazon 1.0 kg + HW at 0.562 0.543 0.553

45 DAT

Oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg + HW 0.554 0.465 0.510

at 45 DAT

Mulching with FYM 0.538 0.559 0.549

Mulching with leaves 0.678 0.599 0.640

HW at 45 DAT 0.448 0.422 0.435

HW at 60 DAT 0.385 0.311 0.348

HW at 45 and 60 DAT 0.484 0.505 0.495

Farmers‟ practice 0.568 0.602 0.585

Weed free 0.728 0.697 0.713

Weedy check 0.318 0.298 0.308

CD (P<0.05) 0.045 0.069 0.057

HW = Hand weeding
DAT = Days after transplanting
Table 4.17: Effect of weed control treatments on total yield at harvest

-1
Treatments Rate Yield (q ha )
-1
(kg ha )
2004-05 2005-06 Pooled

Oxadiazon 1.0 129.38 117.53 123.46

Oxadiazon 1.5 176.31 183.71 180.00

Oxyfluorfen 0.30 110.63 86.38 98.50

Oxyfluorfen 0.50 120.50 108.15 114.32

Oxadiazon +Oxyfluorfen 1.0 + 0.30 159.01 131.85 145.43

Oxadiazon 1.0 kg + HW at 45 175.80 177.78 176.79

DAT

Oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg + HW at 45 167.90 143.71 155.80

DAT

Mulching with FYM 158.03 156.55 157.29

Mulching with leaves 176.30 182.72 179.51

HW at 45 DAT 114.08 91.85 102.97

HW at 60 DAT 101.73 87.41 94.57

HW at 45 and 60 DAT 146.67 94.81 120.74

Farmers‟ practice 129.39 162.47 145.93

Weed free 223.21 206.91 215.06

Weedy check 46.91 69.63 58.27

CD (P<0.05) 5.25 5.79 3.82

HW= Hand weeding
DAT= Days after transplanting
Table 4.18: Effect of weed control treatments on marketable yield at harvest

-1
Treatments Rate Yield (q ha )
-1
(kg ha ) 2004-05 2005-06 Pooled

Oxadiazon 1.0 84.44 67.16 75.80

Oxadiazon 1.5 162.47 111.11 136.79

Oxyfluorfen 0.30 78.52 60.74 69.33

Oxyfluorfen 0.50 81.48 72.59 77.04

Oxadiazon +Oxyfluorfen 1.0 + 0.30 97.78 75.56 86.67

Oxadiazon 1.0 kg + HW at 45 114.07 102.96 108.52

DAT

Oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg + HW at 45 106.67 78.51 92.59

DAT

Mulching with FYM 100.74 97.79 99.26

Mulching with leaves 153.04 108.63 130.84

HW at 45 DAT 76.29 58.27 67.28

HW at 60 DAT 74.073 47.41 60.74

HW at 45 and 60 DAT 90.187 63.70 76.95

Farmers‟ practice 101.71 112.84 107.28

Weed free 172.15 136.30 154.22

Weedy check 44.44 28.89 36.67

CD (P<0.05) 7.57 8.31 5.50

HW= Hand weeding
DAT= Days after transplanting

marketable yield q ha1 (136.30 and 154.22 q ha-1) during 2005-06 and

pooled analysis. The other treatments, which gave higher marketable yield,

were obtained in farmers’ practice (112.84 q ha-1) during 2005-06 and

 oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (106.67 and 136.79 q ha-1) and mulching with leaves

(108.63 and 130.84 q ha-1) during 2005-06 and pooled analysis, respectively.

The minimum marketable yield was noticed in weed check (44.44, 28.89 and

36.67 q ha-1) during 2004-05, 2005-06 and pooled analysis, respectively

(Table 4.18 and Fig. 4.8).

4.3 N, P AND K uptake studies

4.3.1 Nutrient uptake by crop

The data on nutrient uptake (N, P and K) by crop recorded during

both the years of experimentation revealed that all the weed control

treatments significantly influenced positively towards higher N, P and K

uptake by the crop as compared to weedy check (Table 4.19).

A cursory glance at the table showed the maximum N, P and K uptake by

crop in weed free treatment and minimum uptake of these nutrients by crop

in weedy check during both the years of investigation.

4.3.1.1 Nitrogen uptake

Significant differences for nitrogen uptake were observed amongst different

treatments. The highest nitrogen uptake was observed in weed free (54.09,

52.78 and 53.44 kg ha-1 ) followed by mulching with leaves (48.38, 49.72

and 49.05 kg ha-1) and oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (47.11, 48.69 and 47.90 kg

ha-1) during 2004-05, 2005-06 and pooled analysis, respectively. The

nitrogen uptake was minimum in weedy check (14.52, 12.52 and 13.52 kg

ha-1) during 2004-05, 2005-06 and pooled analysis.

 4.3.1.2 Phosphorus uptake

The maximum phosphorus uptake was observed in weed free (5.25, 4.56

and 4.91 kg ha-1) during 2004-05, 2005-06 and pooled analysis, respectively,

which was statistically at par with mulching with leaves (4.56, 3.48 and 4.02

kg ha-1) during both the years and pooled analysis. Mulching with FYM (4.16

kg ha-1) during 2004-05 and oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (3.47 kg ha-1) during

2005-06. The minimum uptake was noticed in weedy check (1.59 kg ha-1)

during 2004-05 and HW at 60 DAT (1.09 and 1.54 kg ha-1) during 2005-06

and pooled analysis respectively.

4.3.1.3 Potassium uptake

The potassium uptake by the crop was observed as the maximum (37.28,

35.57 and 36.42 kg ha-1) in weed free and as low as (10.48, 9.72 and 10.10

kg ha-1) in weedy check during 2004-05, 2005-06 and pooled analysis,

respectively. Mulching with leaves (35.53, 34.48 and 35.01 kg ha-1) during

2004-05, 2005-06 and pooled analysis and oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (34.92 and

33.69 kg ha-1) during 2005-06 and pooled analysis, respectively.

4.3.2 Nutrient uptake by weeds

The data on uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as influenced by

different weed control treatments at harvest have been embodied in Table

4.20.

4.3.2.1 Nitrogen uptake

Different control treatment exerted significant effect on N, P, K uptake
by weeds. On one hand, the nitrogen uptake was observed minimum
 in oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (5.69 and 5.72 kg ha-1 ) during 2004-05 and
pooled
analysis, respectively and mulching with leaves (5.69 kg ha-1) during 2005-06
, while, on the other hand, the maximum uptake of nitrogen (7.50, 7.83 and
7.67 kg ha-1) was observed in weedy check condition. Many other treatments
also showed minimum uptake of nitrogen of which 3, 6 and 4 treatments
were observed statistically at par with the most desirable treatments in the
respective years.
4.3.2.2 Phosphorus uptake
The same trend for phosphorus uptake was observed as it was noticed for
nitrogen uptake. The minimum uptake of phosphorus by weeds was
observed in oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (1.76 and 1.77 kg ha-1) during 2004-05
and pooled analysis, respectively and mulching with leaves (1.71 kg ha-1)
during 2005-06. Weedy check condition (2.54, 2.50 and 2.52 kg ha-1)
showed the maximum uptake of phosphorus by weeds during 2004-05,
2005-06 and pooled analysis, respectively. All the other weed control
treatments were also observed statistically at par with the most desirable
one in the respective years except mulching with FYM, during 2004-05,
oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg ha-1, mulching with FYM, oxyfluorfen 0.50 kg ha-1 during
pooled analysis.
4.3.2.3 Potassium uptake
Significant differences in the treatments were observed for potassium uptake
by the weeds during both the years and pooled analysis. Potassium uptake
by weeds was observed as low as 4.70 kg ha-1 (oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 and
farmers’ practice) during 2004-05, 4.60 kg ha-1 (oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1)
during 2005-06 and 4.65 kg ha-1 (oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1) during pooled
analysis and as high as 6.81, 7.05 and 6.93 kg ha-1 in weedy check during
both the years and pooled analysis. 6 treatments during 2004-05, 3 during
2005-06 and 2 during pooled analysis were also observed statistically at par
with oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1.
4.4 Economics studies

The data on economics of different weed control treatments in

terms of cost of cultivation, gross returns, net returns and B: C ratio have
been presented in Table 4.21.The treatment wise cost of cultivation and
prevailing market price have been presented in Appendices IIIa and IIIb.
4.4.1 Gross returns
A perusal of the data presented in Table 4.21, revealed that all the
weed control treatments increased the gross returns significantly over
weedy check. During 2004-05, significant higher gross returns (86075 Rs
ha-1) were obtained with the application of weed free followed by oxadiazon
1.5 kg ha-1 (81235 Rs ha-1) and mulching with leaves (76520 Rs ha-1). During
2005-06, the highest gross returns (68150 Rs ha-1) were obtained with the
application of weed free followed by oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha -1 (55555 Rs ha-1),
mulching with leaves (54315 Rs ha-1). Weedy check gave significantly
lowest (22220 and 14445 Rs ha-1) gross returns during 2004-05 and 2005-06,
respectively.
4.4.2 Net returns
A cursory glance of the data of Table 4.21 and Fig. 4.9, on the net
returns indicated that all the weed control treatments affected the net
returns significantly. During 2004-05, the highest net returns (51326 Rs ha-1)
were obtained in oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 followed by mulching with
leaves (46896

Rs ha-1) and weed free treatment (44491 Rs ha-1). During 2005-06, the

highest net returns (25626 Rs ha-1) were recorded with farmers’ practice

followed by oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 (25011 Rs ha-1) and weed free treatment

(24756 Rs ha-1). The mulching with FYM treatment during both the years

resulted in complete failure of the crop causing a net loss of (-30385 Rs ha-
1
), (-32495 Rs ha-1) and (-31440 Rs ha-1) in 2004-05, 2005-06 and pooled

returns, respectively.

The pooled data also revealed highest net returns under the

influence of oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 followed by mulching with leaves and

weed free treatment.

4.4.3 B: C ratio
Oxadiazon 1.5 kg ha-1 gave significantly higher benefit : cost

(1.27), followed by mulching with leaves (1.18). Weed free treatment proved

to be the next best treatment followed by farmers’ practice. Mulching with

FYM was the least effective treatment when data was pooled (Table 4.21).

Crop-weed competition
 4.5 Weed species

The pre-dominant weed species, which infested the experimental

plots, were Coronopus didymus, Poa annua, Cyperus rotundus, Medicago

denticulata, Ageratum conyzoides and other weeds involving Polygonum

spp., Anagallis arvensis, Cynodon dactylon, Fumaria parviflora, Gallinsoga

parviflora and Eragrostis spp.

4.5.1 Total weed density

The data on total weed density recorded in weedy and weed free conditions
at different stages of crop growth viz., 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 DAT during
both the years have been presented in Table 4.22.

The data revealed that total weed density decreased with increase

in the duration of weed free condition. At 60 DAT, the lowest weed density

was noticed in the plots which were kept either weedy up to 0 to 45 days or

weed free from 60 to 90 days during both the years. However, at 90 DAT,

the minimum weed density was recorded in weedy up to 0 to 75 days or

weed free up to 90 days. At harvest no weed was observed in weedy from 0

to 90 days. However, the minimum weed density was noticed in weed free

up to 90 days (8.41/m2), followed by weed free up to 75 days (10.44/m2) and

weed free up to 60 days (13.60/m2)). During both the years, highest total

weed intensity was recorded in the treatment weed free up to 0 days

(30.88/m2), which were statistically at par with weed free up to 15 days

(30.09/m2).

4.5.2 Weed dry weight (g/m2)

 The data on dry weight of weeds was recorded at various stages

of crop growth during 2004-05 and 2005-06 and presented in Table 4.23 and

Fig. 4.10.

Weed dry weight was influenced markedly due to different

durations of crop- weed competition. Weed dry weight decreased with

increase in duration of weed free condition, whereas, it increased with

increase in weedy duration. At 60 DAT, the lowest dry weight was noted in

the plots kept weedy up 0

to 45 days (1.00 g/m2) and at weed free up to 60 to 90 days

after transplanting (1.00 g/m2) in pooled analysis. However, the maximum

dry matter accumulation by weeds was recorded in weedy up to 75 days

after transplanting (11.93 g/m2).

Weed dry weight increased progressively with longer period of

retention in field. At 90 DAT, the lowest dry weight was noted in the plots

kept weedy up 0 to 75 days (1.00 g/m2) The maximum dry matter

accumulation of weeds was recorded in the treatment weed free up to 0

days (15.27 g/m2).

At harvest, a critical examination of the data revealed that lowest

weed dry weight was noted in the plots kept weedy up to 0 to 90 days after

transplanting (1.00 g/m2). The next best treatment, weed free up to 90 days

(1.93 g/m2), produced less weed dry weight in pooled analysis. However,
the maximum dry matter accumulation of weeds was recorded in the

treatment weed free up to 0 days (16.44 g/m2).

4.6 Crop studies

The data was recorded on various yield and yield attributes viz., plant height (cm),
2
number of leaves per plant, plant spread (cm ), days taken to 50 per cent marketable maturity,
-1
per cent marketable curd formation, average curd weight (kg), total yield (q ha ) and marketable
-1
yield (q ha ).

4.6.1 Plant height (cm)

The data on plant height recorded at monthly interval during both the years of

experimentation is presented in (Table 4.24 and Fig. 4.11).

 Different weedy and weed free treatment resulted in the significant effect on
plant height at all the stages of data recording (30, 60 90 DAT and at
harvest), in pooled analysis. The plant height varied from 9.08 (weedy up to
75 days) to 15.33 cm (weed free up to 30 days). The other treatments,
which found statistically at par with weedy up to 0 days, weed free up to 45
days and 90 days.,
At 60 DAT, the maximum plant height was observed in weedy up
to 0 days (35.70 cm) and it was in minimum weedy up to 75 days (18.09 cm).
Weed free up to 90, 75 and 60 days also exhibited statistically at par plant
height with the tallest one.
At 90 DAT and at harvest, the maximum plant height was noticed
in weedy up to 0 days (41.14 and 42.89 cm) and minimum (22.82 and 22.04
cm) in weed free up to 0 days. Weed free up to 90 days, at 90 DAT and at
harvest and weed free up to 60 days at harvest only were also observed to
be statistically at par with weedy up to 0 days condition.
4.6.2 Number of leaves per plant
The data on number of leaves per plant was recorded during both
the years of experimentation at 30, 60, 90 DAT and at harvest stage (Table
4.25).
Non -significant difference was observed amongst different
weedy and weed free treatment for number of leaves per plant at 30 and 60
DAT. However, the significant influences of these treatments on number of
leaves per plant were noticed at 90 DAT and at harvest. The maximum
number of leaves per plant (14.03 and 14.48) were observed in weedy up to
0 days and minimum (9.32 and
6.72) in weedy up to 60 days at 90 DAT and weedy up to 90 days, at harvest,

respectively. Weed free up to 75 and 90 days also recorded statistically at

par number of leaves per plant with weedy up to 0 days.

4.6.3 Plant spread (cm2)

The data on plant spread recorded during both the years of

experimentation are presented in Table 4.26.

The significant difference were observed for plant spread at

different stages of data recording. Plant spread varied from 206.07 cm 2

(weedy up to 60 days) to 233.58 cm2 (weedy up to 0 days) at 30 DAT, 302.50

cm2 (weed free up to 15 days) to 914.36 cm2 (weed free up to 75 days) at 60

DAT, 687.37 cm2 (weed free up to 0 days) to 1745.36 cm2 (weed free up to 90

days) at 90 DAT and 903.01 cm2 (weed free up to 0 days) to 1878.38 cm2

(weed free up to 90 days) at harvest. Weed free up to 30 days at 30 DAT and

weedy up to 0 days at harvest also exhibited statistically at par plant

spread with the respective maximum values.

4.6.4 Days taken to 50 per cent marketable maturity

Significant differences for days taken to 50 per cent marketable maturity were

observed in pooled analysis (Table 4.27) and the range for this trait varied from 100.17 (weed

free up to 75 days and weedy up to 30 days) to 104.33 days (weedy up to 90 days), however the

other treatments viz., weed free up to 60 and 90 days and weedy up to 0, 15 and 45 days were

also observed statistically at par in obtaining early marketable curds.

Table: 4.27 Effect of crop-weed competition on days taken to 50 per cent
marketable maturity

Treatments Days taken to 50 per cent marketable maturity

2004-05 2005-06 Pooled
Weedy upto 0 days 99.00 102.00 100.50
Weedy upto 15 days 99.67 101.33 100.50
Weedy upto 30 days 99.67 100.67 100.17
Weedy up to 45 days 101.67 102.33 102.00
Weedy upto 60 days 104.67 102.67 103.67
Weedy up to 75 days 104.33 104.00 104.17
Weedy up to 90 days 103.67 105.00 104.33
Weed free up to 0 days 104.00 102.67 103.33
Weed free up to 15 days 102.67 101.67 102.17
Weed free up to 30 days 103.00 104.33 103.67
Weed free up to 45 days 103.00 103.33 103.17

Weed free up to 60 days 100.33 101.67 101.00

Weed free up to 75 days 101.00 99.33 100.17
Weed free up to 90 days 99.67 101.00 100.33
CD (P<0.05) 2.54 2.89 1.88

4.6.5 Per cent marketable curd formation

Significant differences were observed for per cent marketable curd formation in

pooled analysis (Table 4.28 Fig. 4.12). The range of this trait varied from 29.33 (weedy up to 90

days) to 79.33 per cent (weed free up to 90 days), which was observed statistically at par with

weedy up to 0 days (76.67 per cent).

Table: 4.28 Effect of crop-weed competition on per cent marketable curd

formation
Treatments Per cent marketable curd formation
2004-05 2005-06 Pooled
Weedy upto 0 days 78.67 74.67 76.67
Weedy upto 15 days 70.33 70.00 70.17
Weedy upto 30 days 70.67 57.33 64.00
Weedy upto 45 days 48.00 37.33 42.67
Weedy upto 60 days 36.00 33.33 34.67
Weedy upto 75 days 38.67 36.00 37.33
Weedy upto 90 days 30.67 28.00 29.33
Weed free up to 0 days 33.33 34.67 34.00
Weed free up to 15 days 31.33 33.33 32.33
Weed free up to 30 days 46.67 49.33 48.00
Weed free up to 45 days 66.67 62.67 64.67
Weed free up to 60 days 66.67 73.33 70.00
Weed free up to 75 days 78.67 69.33 74.00
Weed free up to 90 days 77.33 81.33 79.33
CD (P<0.05) 4.00 5.07 3.16

4.6.6 Average curd weight (kg)

During pooled analysis (Table 4.29 and Fig. 4.13), the significant
differences were observed for average curd weight. The average curd
weight varied from 0.149 kg (weed free up to 0 days) to 0.513 kg (weed free
up to 90 days). Weedy up to 0, 15 and 30 days were also observed
statistically at par with weed free up to 90 days.
Table: 4.29 Effect of crop-weed competition on average curd weight (kg) at
harvest

Treatments Average curd weight (kg)

2004-05 2005-06 Pooled
Weedy upto 0 days 0.526 0.485 0.505
Weedy upto 15 days 0.532 0.449 0.490
Weedy upto 30 days 0.520 0.452 0.486
Weedy upto 45 days 0.365 0.428 0.397
Weedy upto 60 days 0.361 0.310 0.335
Weedy upto 75 days 0.156 0.225 0.190
Weedy upto 90 days 0.140 0.162 0.151
Weed free up to 0 days 0.145 0.153 0.149
Weed free up to 15 days 0.138 0.187 0.163
Weed free up to 30 days 0.201 0.210 0.206
Weed free up to 45 days 0.426 0.385 0.406

Weed free up to 60 days 0 .445 0.380 0.413

Weed free up to 75 days 0.438 0.415 0.427
Weed free up to 90 days 0.560 0.465 0.513
CD (P<0.05) 0.044 0.047 0.032
4.6.7 Yield
4.6.7.1 Total yield (q ha-1)
The significant differences were observed for total curd yield in
both the years of study. Significantly higher total yield (198.03 q ha -1) was
observed in weedy up to 0 days, while the minimum (53.93 q ha -1) was
obtained in weedy up to 90 days in pooled analysis (Table 4.30 and Fig.
4.14). However, the other treatments viz., weed free up to 90 days and
weedy up to 15 days were also observed statistically at par with weedy up
to 0 days.

Table: 4.30 Effect of crop-weed competition on total yield (q ha-1) at harvest

Treatments Total yield (q ha-1)

2004-05 2005-06 Pooled
Weedy upto 0 days 210.37 185.68 198.03
Weedy up to 15 days 195.53 170.86 183.21
Weedy upto 30 days 165.43 139.26 152.34
Weedy upto 45 days 117.04 76.94 96.99
Weedy up to 60 days 76.54 72.49 74.52
Weedy up to 75 days 57.28 62.22 59.75
Weedy upto 90 days 49.58 58.27 53.93
Weed free up to 0 days 53.83 58.76 56.30
Weed free up to 15 days 77.53 74.57 76.05
Weed free up to 30 days 120.36 94.82 107.59
Weed free up to 45 days 170.86 143.69 157.28
Weed free up to 60 days 191.11 155.54 173.33
Weed free up to 75 days 196.55 159.01 177.78
Weed free up to 90 days 206.91 165.92 186.42
CD (P<0.05) 19.39 24.26 15.17

4.6.7.2 Marketable yield (q ha-1)

Significant differences among the treatments were observed for

marketable yield during pooled analysis (Table 4.31 and Fig. 4.15 and 4.16).
The maximum marketable yield (137.04 q ha-1) was observed in weedy up to
0 days and minimum in weed free up to 0 days (32.30 q ha-1). However, the
other treatments viz., weed free up to 90 days, weed free up to 75 days and
weedy up to 15 days were also observed statistically at par with weedy up to
0 days. The minimum marketable yield was noticed in weed free up to 0
days, which was statistically at par with weedy up to 45 to 90 days and at
weed free up to 15 and 30 days, respectively.

The maximum curd yield (137.04 q ha-1) was obtained in weedy up to

0 days, which reduced by 10.56, 43.41, 141.52, 249.06, 308.10, 320.50 per
cent due to uninterrupted weed growth up to 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90
days, respectively. On the other hand, enhancement in curd yield due to
weed free conditions up to 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days compared to full
season weedy condition (weed free up to 0 days) was 15.26, 64.21, 211.46,
243.99, 293.68, 307.46 per cent, respectively. The maximum difference in
curd yield was noticed in plots, which were kept weed free between 30 and
45 days. Maintaining weed free conditions after 45 days proved unfruitful
and could not produce significantly higher yield. Thus, 30 to 45 days was the
most crucial period from crop weed competition point of view.
Table: 4.31 Effect of crop-weed competition on marketable yield (q ha-1) at
harvest

Treatments Marketable yield (q ha-1)

2004-05 2005-06 Pooled
Weedy upto 0 days 157.53 116.55 137.04
Weedy upto 15 days 145.68 102.22 123.95
Weedy upto 30 days 112.59 78.52 95.56
Weedy up to 45 days 67.16 46.32 56.74
Weedy upto 60 days 36.05 42.47 39.26
Weedy upto 75 days 32.59 34.57 33.58
Weedy up to 90 days 30.12 35.06 32.59
Weed free up to 0 days 31.01 33.58 32.30
Weed free up to 15 days 33.48 40.99 37.23
Weed free up to 30 days 58.77 47.31 53.04
Weed free up to 45 days 111.61 89.38 100.50
Weed free up to 60 days 123.95 98.27 111.11
Weed free up to 75 days 144.20 110.12 127.16
Weed free up to 90 days 150.12 113.09 131.61
CD (P<0.05) 26.47 26.93 18.45

4.7 N, P AND K uptake studies

4.7.1 Nutrient uptake by crop

The data on nutrient uptake by cauliflower as influenced by

different treatments have been embodied in Table 4.32.

 During pooled analysis, the significant difference was observed for nitrogen,

phosphorus and potassium uptake by crop. The maximum nitrogen uptake was observed in
-1 -1
weedy up to 0 days (7.08 kg ha ) to weed free up to 0 days (3.62 kg ha ) in pooled analysis. The

other treatments, which followed weedy up to 0 days, were weedy up to 15 days and weedy up to

90 days.
-1
The highest phosphorus uptake was observed in weedy up to 0 days (2.39 kg ha ),

which was statistically at par with weed free up to 45 to 90 days and weedy up to 15 and 30 days.

The phosphorus uptake was minimum in weedy up to 90 days in pooled analysis.

-1
The potassium uptake by the crop was observed from 5.85 kg ha (weedy upto 0
-1
days) to 3.15 kg ha (weed free upto 0 days). However, the other treatments viz., weed free up to

90 days and weedy up to 15 days were also observed statistically at par with weedy up to 0 days.

4.7.2 Nutrient uptake by weeds

The data on nutrient uptake by weeds as influenced by different

weedy and weed free treatments have been embodied in Table 4.33.

Significant differences among the treatments were observed for

nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake by weeds in pooled analysis.

The minimum uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by weeds

was observed in weedy up to 0 days (1.00 kg ha -1) in pooled analysis. The

highest nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake by weeds under the

influence of weedy up to 90 days (5.06 kg ha-1) treatment.