Weed Management in Aerobic Rice in Northwestern Indo-Gangetic Plains

Aerobic rice systems, wherein the crop is established via direct seeding in non-puddled, non-flooded fields, are among the most promising approaches for saving water and labor. However, aerobic systems are subject to much higher weed pressure than conventionally puddled transplanted rice (CPTR). Experiments were conducted for two years to develop effective and economical methods for managing weeds in aerobic rice grown by direct seeding rather than by conventional transplanting method. The proportion of mean grass-weed dry matter was 28.3% more in aerobic direct-seeded rice (ADSR) as compared to CPTR. Both weed density and dry weight were negatively correlated with rice grain yield. ADSR treatment produced yield similar to CPTR treatment when weeds were controlled effectively. Post-emergence application of bispyribac Na 25 g/ha and penoxsulam 25 g/ha could effectively control all the weeds in ADSR. Irrigation water productivity remained statistically the same in both ADSR and CPTR under the weed-free situation or when bispyribac Na herbicide was applied as post-emergence because of effective weed control in ADSR. The variation in net profitability between the ADSR and CPTR decreased with herbicide treatments, viz., Bispyribac Na, followed by penoxsulam and sequential application of pretilachlor and metsulfuron.