Weed management in blackgram under rainfed conditions

Field study was conducted at Dryland Farming Research Station in Bhilwara, Rajasthan during Kharif seasons of 2010 and 2011 to study the weed control efficiency of different weed management practices including pre- and post-emergence herbicides in blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]. Among herbicidal weed control treatments, the lowest weed density and dry matter, and highest yield attributes, seed yield and economic return with B:C ratio was recorded with quizalofop-ethyl 50 g/ha 30 DAS and it was statistically at par with interculture at 15 DAS fb imazethapyr 100 g/ha 30 DAS, interculture at 15 DAS fb quizalofop-ethyl 50 g/ha 30 DAS, imazethapyr 100 g/ha 20 DAS and weed free. Whereas, highest weed control efficiency was recorded with alachlor 1.0 kg/ha PRE fb imazethapyr 100 g/ha 30 DAS. All herbicidal treatments reduced weed biomass and improved seed yield and yield attributing parameters as compared to weedy check. Weedy check registered the highest values of weed count and biomass and lowest seed yield and yield attributing characters. Rainfall was directly related to weed count and weed dry matter accumulation with the coefficient of 0.65 and 0.61, respectively.