Integrated weed management in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) + mustard (Brassica juncea) intercropping system under rainfed conditions

A field experiment was carried out during 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 at the Indian Institute of Pulses Re- search, Kanpur, to study the integrated weed-management techniques in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) + mus- tard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] intercropping system under rainfed conditions. Integrated use of her- bicide along with mechanical and cultural methods of weed management not only reduced the density and bio- mass of weeds but also increased crop productivity. Application of pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i.1ha + 1 hand- weeding at 45 days after sowing gave maximum chickpea equivalent yield (27.83 qlha), net return (Rs 20,4341 ha) and benefit : cost ratio (2.30) on pooled basis. Application of metolachlor also proved superior in reducing the weed density and increasing yield and returns in chickpea + mustard intercropping system.