Weed control in wheat (Triticum aestivum) sown by zero-tillage

An investigation was carried out during the winter seasons of 2001–02 and 2002–03 at Rice Research Station, Kaul (Kaithal), to study the effect of weed-control treatments in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) sown by zero-tillage method. Significantly higher grain yield was recorded with the use of Glyphosate + Sulfosulfuron and Glyphosate + Sulfosulfuron + Metsulfluron (each applied at different time) during both the years. Glyphosate and or Metsulfuron was also required to supplement Sulfosulfuron or Clodinafop for better weed management. The highest net returns over the control and benefit: cost ratio were observed with the application of Glyphosate + Sulfosulfuron, followed by Glyphosate + Sulfosulfuron + Metsulfuron. The lowest dry weight of weeds (55.6 to 62.2 and 31.2 to 55.7 g/m2 for first and second year respectively) was observed with Glyphosate + Clodinafop + Metsulfuron, Glyphosate + Sulfosulfuron and Glyphosate + Sulfosulfuron + Metsulfuron treatment. The highest weed-control efficiency was recorded with Glyphosate + Sulfosulfuron + Metsulfuron application (89.2%), followed by Glyphosate + Sulfosulfuron (86.9%). Metsulfuron was effective in controlling Rumex spp. and other broad-leaf weeds.