Response of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and associated weeds to iirrigation schedule and pendimethalin

An investigation was conducted during the winter season of 1997–98 and 1998–99 at Morena, to study the effect of irrigation schedule and weed control with pendimethalin at variable doses on weed control and plant growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.). An adverse effect on the yield attributes and finally on yields was observed on delaying or withholding first irrigation. Higher values of yield attributes and yield of wheat were noted when first irrigation was applied at 20 or 25 days after sowing (DAS) compared with 30 days after sowing. All these parameters were higher under the application of pendimethalin granules as pre-emergence @ 2.0 kg/ha. Weed density was not influenced by the irrigation schedules, but weed biomass reduced under delayed irrigation at 30 DAS during 1998–99 only. Pendimethalin @ 2.0 kg/ha pre-emergence reduced the weed density and weed biomass significantly.