Effect of planting techniques and weed control treatments on growth and yield of wheat
A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different planting techniques (conventional drill sowing at 16, 18 and 20 cm row spacing and bed planting with two and three rows in main plots) and weed control treatments (pinoxaden 50 g/ha, ready-mix (RM) of carfentrazone and metsulfuron 25 g/ha and pinoxaden 50 g/ha + RM of carfentrazone and metsulfuron 25 g/ha in subplots) on growth and productivity of wheat. The grain yield under row spacing 18 cm (53.30 q/ha), and 20 cm (52.02 q/ha), and three rows bed planting (51.96 q/ha) were recorded statistically at par with each other and significantly higher than 16 cm (49.37 q/ha) row spacing and two row bed planting (48.53 q/ha). Gross returns (Rs. 95637/ha) and net returns (Rs. 43929/ha) and B:C ratio (1.85) were record-ed higher under 18 cm row spacing compared to other planting techniques. Tank mixed application of pinoxaden 50 g/ha + RM of carfentrazone and metsulfuron 25 g/ha applied at 35 days after sowing (DAS) controlled both grassy and broad leaved weeds effectively with lower values of weed dry matter accumulation (7.67 g/ha) and produced growth parameters, yield attributes and yield (53.16 q/ha) at par with weed free treatment. In light of the results to maximise productivity, 18 cm row spacing may be practiced and tank mix application of pinoxaden (50 g/ha) + RM of carfentrazone and metsulfuron (25 g/ha) is recommended to reduce losses due to complex weed flora in wheat.