Effect of various herbicides on weed population in citrus nursery

Studies on weed control in citrus nursery were carried out at Regional Fruit Research Station, Abohar. Cyprus rotundus, Cynodon dactylon, Sorgham halepense, Medicago spp., Oxalis corniculata and Euphorbia microphylla were the predominant weeds found in citrus nursery. All the treatments reduced the weed population in comparison to control. Glyphosate 2.5 I/ha was found to be the most effective herbicide in controlling weeds as it killed 89.30% monocot and 83.01% dicot weeds without any phyto-toxic effect on the seedlings. Among all the herbicides used, highest mortality (62.97 and 60.99%) of the seedlings on account of phyto-toxic effect was recorded in atrazine 2.0 kg/ha and 1.0 kg/ha treatments, respectively. The higher dose of diuran (2.5 kg/ha) also showed 18.13% mortality of the seedlings. Hence, Glyphosate @ 2.5 I/ha is recommended for effective weed control in citrus nursery.