Department of Agronomy, Janta Vedic Post-graduate College, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Baraut Uttar Pradesh 250 611.
*Present address: Department of Agronomy, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttaranchal 263 145.
An experiment conducted during 2001–2002 and 2002–2003 showed 43.4% and 43.9% reduction in cane yield due to weeds. Highest cane yield (84.6 tonnes/ha and 80.6 tonnes/ha) was recorded under weed-free conditions, which was at par with 3 hoeings (30, 60 and 90 days after planting) during both the years. Significant improvement in cane yield was reported under treatments comprising herbicide spray followed by hoeing over that of herbicide spray alone. Highest net return of Rs 31,296/ha and 27,989/ha was recorded in weed-free treatment during 2001–2002 and 2002–2003 respectively. However, highest benefit: cost ratio of 1:0.58 during 2001–2002 and of 1:0.55 during 2002–2003 was observed in 3 hoeings (30, 60 and 90 days after planting).
Herbicide, Metribuzin, Net return, Weed management, Sugarcane
