Controlling grassy weeds in groundnut

The post-emergence application of quizalofop ethyl @1.0 kg ha⁻¹ at 15 DAS with one hand weeding at 25 DAS was the most effective and economical for controlling the grassy weeds in groundnut with maximum pod yield and haulm yield of 22.6 q ha⁻¹ and 20.46 q ha⁻¹, respectively. This treatment also minimized nitrogen, phosphorus and potash removal by weeds to a tune of 91.2, 84.1 and 89.7%, respectively over that of weedy check, resulting in better nutrient uptake by the crop. The maximum dry weed biomass at harvest was 250.3 g m⁻² in weedy check followed by quizalofop ethyl @ 0.75 kg ha⁻¹ at 25 DAS. The weed control efficiency was highest (72.3%) in application of quizalofop ethyl @1.0 kg ha⁻¹ with one hand weeding, which gave maximum benefit-cost ratio of 2.49 and net return of Rs. 53067 ha⁻¹ with additional income of Rs.36534 ha⁻¹ over weedy check.