Evaluation of Sequential Application of Herbicides in Rice- fallow Maize (Zea mays)

In Odisha, rice-relay pulse cropping has been a traditional practice, but delayed monsoons have made pulse cultivation increasingly difficult. In this context, rice-fallow maize is gaining prominence. Despite its potential, this system poses unique challenges such as regeneration of rice stubble and enhanced weed growth. Thus, identifying an optimal herbicide sequence for the rice-fallow maize system becomes vital, forming the basis of the present research. The current study was carried out during the rabi season of 2023–24 at the P.G. Research Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha. The investigated treatments encompassed the nine treatments viz., one unweeded check, one hand weeding and seven sequential herbicide treatments which were allocated in randomized block design with three replications. The results indicated that the experimental field was infested with grassy and broad- leaved weeds, while no sedges were observed. At 80 DAS, weed density and weed dry matter were highest in the weedy check (H9), whereas pendimethalin @ 1 kg a.i. ha^-1 as PE fb Topramezone + Atrazine (1:10) @ 25.2 a.i. ha^-1 as PoE at 20 and 40 DAS (H6) recorded the lowest, resulting in a weed control efficiency of 94.64%. The H6 treatment significantly improved dry matter accumulation, grain, stover and biological yield of fallow maize. Therefore, recommended for effective weed control in rice-fallow maize systems.