Post-emergence Efficacy of Atrazine in Controlling Weeds in Pearl-millet

Field experiments were conducted at Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar and Rohtak to test the efficacy of atrazine applied at different stages in pearlmillet. Application of atrazine 0.25 or 0.50 kg/ha at 7 or 14 d.a.s. (days after sowing) proved highly effective against most competitive and aggressive weeds like carpetweed (Trianthema portulacastrum) and barnyardgrass (Echinochla colonum). The effect of atrazine at 7 or 14 d.a.s. was better than its pre-emergence application. Its application beyond 14 days (21 d.a.s.) failed to control these weeds. Similarly, better crop yield was recorded with post-emergence (7 or 14 d.a.s.) atrazine than its pre-emergence and 21 d.a.s, application at both the locations.