Integrated weed management in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) + mustard (Brassica juncea) intercropping system under rainfed conditions

A field experiment was carried out during 2000–2001 and 2001–2002 at the Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, to study the integrated weed-management techniques in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) + mustard [Brassica juncea (L) Czernj. & Cosson] intercropping system under rainfed conditions. Integrated use of herbicide along with mechanical and cultural methods of weed management not only reduced the density and bio-mass of weeds but also increased crop productivity. Application of pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha + 1 hand-weeding at 45 days after sowing gave maximum chickpea equivalent yield (27.83 q/ha), net return (Rs 20,434/ ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.30) on pooled basis. Application of metolachlor also proved superior in reducing the weed density and increasing yield and returns in chickpea + mustard intercropping system.