Wheat (Triticum aestivum) productivity as affected by application of low dose herbicides as sole and premix formulations

A field experiment was conducted during winter season of 2006–07 and 2007–08 at Karnal to evaluate the effect of herbicides as sole and their premix formulations on weed control in wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) Emend. Fiori and Paol]. Maximum average seed yield of 4.59 t/ha was recorded with premix clodinafop + metsulfuron at 60+4g/ha, which was at par with weed free treatment and 10.0 and 20.8% higher compared to sole application of clodinafop 60g/ha and metsulfuron 4g/ha respectively. Sole application of clodinafop 60g/ha was found effective only on grasses, whereas metsulfuron 4g/ha showed selectivity towards broadleaf weeds and both the treatments recorded lower weed control efficiency and higher weed index compared to premix formulations of clodinafop + metsulfuron at 45+3, 54+3.6and 60+4g/ha. Uncontrolled weeds caused 24.7% reduction in wheat yield. Maximum returns and benefit cost ratio was recorded with clodinafop+ metsulfuron 60+4g/ha.