Effect of sowing methods and weed management practices on growth and yield of wheat

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 1997–98 and 1998–99 at Research Farm of R.M.(PG). College Narsan Hardwar (U.A.). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, slightly alkaline in reaction, low in organic carbon, medium in available phosphorous and rich in available potash. The experiments conducted in split pot design with three replications. Treatment consisted four methods ofsowing viz., normal line sowing 22.5cm, cross-sowing (22.5x22.5cm), Closer line sowing (15cm) and broadcasting were taken in main plot and four weed control methods viz., one hand weeding at 30 DAS, pre-emergence application of Isoproturon @ O.75Kg ai/ha, post-emergence of 2,4-D @ 0.75 Kg ai/ha and weedy check. The most dominant weed species were found in experimental field in the descending order of intensity were Phalaris minor Anagalis arvensis, Chenopodium album, Avenafatua and Portulaca spp. Results revealed that increase in grain yield duetocross sowing were 5.62, 7.78 and 16.5 percent over closer line sowing, normal line sowing. The increase in grain yield due to pre-emergence application of isoproturon were calculated to be 5.30, 1.26 and 1.90 q/ha higher than weedy check, 2,4–0 Na salt and one hand weeding at 30 DAS.