Field studies, conducted during the kharif seasons of 1997 and 1998, revealed that pendimethalin (1.50 kg/ha) and fluchloralin (1.00 kg/ha) were the most effective herbicides in controlling weeds (Digitaria sanguinalis, Cyperus aristatus, Polygonum alatum and Malva sp.) in rajmash. However, pendimethalin was superior to fluchloralin in controlling D. sanguinalis. Alachlor (1.50 kg/ha) and metolachlor (1.50 kg/ha) were ineffective to P. alatum, Malva sp. and other broad-leaved weeds. Pendimethalin at 1.50 kg/ha increased pods per plant, grains per pod and seed yield significantly. However, weed control, yield attributes and yield with alachlor 0.75 kg/ha followed by (fb.) hand weeding and fluchloralin 0.50 kg/ha fb. hand weeding were comparable to that obtained with pendimethalin. All herbicides at higher rates alone or at lower rates in conjunction with hand weeding (30 DAS) were superior to hand weeding twice in influencing additional returns over weedy check and marginal benefit: cost ratio (MBCR).
