Integrated weed management in aerobic rice

Field experiment was carried out to study the effect of integrated weed management in aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) for consecutive two Kharif seasons in 2011 and 2012 at Karaikal, Puducherry Union Territory with seven treatments in three replications. Grassy weeds dominated the weed flora, with Echinochloa colona as the major weed. Weed free condition maintained throughout the crop growth recorded significantly lower weed density, dry weight and higher weed control efficiency. Though the highest gross monetary returns (₹ 56,000/ha) and net returns (₹ 25,360/ha) was recorded in weed free condition, maximum B: C ratio (1.94) was recorded in pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha along with a hand weeding at 30 days after sowing (DAS). Uncontrolled weeds accounted for 86.3% yield loss in aerobic rice under coastal ecosystem of Puducherry UT, India.