Integrated weed management in chilli (Capsicum annuum)

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy season of 1998 99 and 1999 2000 to study the effect of herbicides (alachlor and fluchloralin) alone and in combination with hand weeding (45 days after transplanting) on weeds and growth and yield of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). The major weed flora recorded in the experiment field comprised Cyperus rotundus, Celosia argentea, Launea splinifolia and Euphorbia hirta. All the treatments signifi cantly reduced the weed population and their dry weight. Significanlty lowest weed dry weight and maximum weed control efficiency were recorded with application of fluchloralin 2.0 kgtha hand weeding at 45 days after transplanting. Maximum plant height, length, diameter, weight and yield of fruit were obtained with weed free treat ment, followed by fluchloralin 2.0 kg hand weeding at 45 days after transplanting. But highest net returns and maximum returnstrupee invested were noted with fluchloralin 2 kglha hand weeding at 45 days after transplant ing.