Department of Agronomy, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut-250 110 (U. P.), India.
1 G. B. P. U. A. & T., Pantnagar (Utlaranchal), India.
Crop weed competition was studied to determine the critical period of weed competition in Arhar (Cajanus cajan L.). Trianthema monogyna, Echinochloa crusgalli, Parthenium hysterophorus, Digera arvensis, Cyperus rotundus and Cynodon dactylon were the most predominating weeds. Grain yield loss increased with the increase in the duration of competition and maximum loss (33%) occurred due to full season competition. Significantly highest grain yield and yield attributing characters were obtained in the plots remaining weed-free upto harvest. The critical period of weed competition was between 30 to 60 days after sowing during which the crop should be kept free of weeds to prevent the potential loss in arhar grain yield.
