Weed management in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea)

A field experiment conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 1998 and 1999 at Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, revealed that the application of oxyfluorfen at 0.25 kg/ha as pre-emergence, fluchloralin 1.0 kg/ha as pre-plant application and 2 hand-weedings (25 and 40 DAS) in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] drastically reduced weed density, weed biomass and increased the seed yield. Two hand-weedings were next to weed-free in giving higher seed yield (17.55 and 17.59 q/ha during 1998 and 1999 respectively), followed by oxyfluorfen 0.25 kg/ha as pre-emergence in both the years. However, oxyfluorfen at 0.25 kg/ha was on a par with fluchloralin 1.0 kg/ha as pre-plant application and pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha as pre-emergence.