Herbicide based weed management influences weed dynamics, productivity, soil biology and profitability of transplanted finger millet(Eleusine coracanaL.)
摘要
Weed infestation is major constraint in limiting productivity and resource use efficiency in transplanted finger millet. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides compared to hand weeding on weed control, crop growth, yield, and economics. A field experiment was conducted during 2024 and 2025 using a randomized block design with eleven treatments and three replications. The treatments included different doses of pyroxasulfone, pretilachlor + pyrazosulfuron ethyl, bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor, atrazine, hand weeding at 25 DAT, and an unweeded control. The experimental field was dominated by broad-leaved weeds (Ageratum conyzoides, Parthenium hysterophorus, Commelina benghalensis), grass weeds (Eragrostis pilosa, Eleusine indica, Echinochloa colona) and sedges (Cyperus rotundus). Weed management practices significantly influenced weed dynamics, crop productivity, and nutrient uptake. Higher weed control efficiency (76.89%), zero weed index and maximum grain yield (4118 kg ha−1) was observed with hand weeding at 25 DAT. Among herbicidal treatments, pretilachlor + pyrazosulfuron ethyl (307.5 g a.i. ha⁻1) and bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor (198 g a.i. ha⁻1) achieved > 75% weed control efficiency, low weed index (< 4%), and grain yield comparable to hand weeding. These treatments reduced weed biomass and weed nutrient uptake by over 70% and enhanced crop nutrient uptake by > 40% than unweeded plot. Pyroxasulfone and atrazine showed moderate weed control, with dose dependent phytotoxicity observed in pyroxasulfone. Economic analysis revealed the highest benefit cost ratio (3.01) with pretilachlor + pyrazosulfuron ethyl (T6). Overall, selected herbicide combinations were effective and economically viable alternatives to manual weeding in transplanted finger millet.