Weed dynamics and production potential of direct-seeded rice cultivars as influenced by weed management

The field study was undertaken during rainy season of 2012 and 2013 to evaluate the rice cultivars and weed management effects on weeds growth and yield of direct-seeded rice (DSR) cultivars. The associated weed flora include Echinochloa colona, Echinocloa crus-galli, Cynodon dactylon as grasses; Cyperus rotundus, Cyperus iria as sedges; Caesulia auxillaries and Eclipta alba as broadleaved weeds. Bispyribac-sodium + azimsulfuron (25 + 35 g/ha) + 0.25% NIS as post-emergence at 15–20 DAS was found to be most effective in minimizing weed density, biomass and in enhancing the weed control efficiency 40.9% and 38.0% during 2012 and 2013 at 60 DAS, respectively. The maximum rice grain, straw and biological yield was found with application of bispyribac + azimsulfuron (25 g + 35 g/ha) + 0.25% NIS as post-emergence at 15–20 DAS and was significantly superior over rest of the treatments during both the years of study.