College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, thrissur.
A field experiment was conducted to find out a suitable method of weed control in coconut-banana intercropping system. Pre-emergence application of diuron 1.5 kg/ha, oxyfluorfen 0.2 kg/ha or raising cowpea as an intercrop could check the weed growth upto about three months. Subsequent weed growth could be effectively controlled by the application of paraquat 0.4 kg/ha or glyphosate 0.4 kg/ha. Spade weeding twice was better than sickle weeding twice. Intercropping banana itself reduced the weed growth in young coconut garden. Weed control had a positive influence on the growth of coconut and yield of banana. Chemical weed control was more economical than manual, cultural and integrated methods.
