Diversity of Weed Flora, Weed Density and Crop Weed Competition in Maize

Maize (zea mays l.) Is one of the most important crops among the cereals in the world agricultural economy both as food and fodder crop and is regarded as “queen of cereals”. Weeds can suppress crop growth and yield by effectively competing with crop for environmental resources like water, light, nutrients and production of allelopathic compounds. The weed flora differs widely with environment and soil conditions. Generally, weeds are found in larger numbers and with more vigour, because of their wider adaptability even under extremities of climatic, edaphic and biotic stresses. High persistence nature of weeds is attributed to their ability of high seed production and seed viability. Determination of the most critical period of crop-weed competition for nutrients, moisture, light and space is of greater importance to make weed management practices more effective and economical and thereby increasing crop yield.