*Paraquat [1: 1 dimethyl - 4:4 bipyridylium dichloride] is marked as ‘Gramoxone’ in India.
Five experiments were conducted in the potato growing areas of Punjab to assess the suitability of a contact herbicide for weed control in early potatoes. Paiaquat was applied at 500 g. ion/ha either as an overall application at 5–10% emergence of potatoes or later on as an inter-row applies (ion avoiding contact with the potato plants. Application of paraquat at either stage resulted in good control of weeds at a time when weeds normally provide the biggest competition to crop growth. Yields from paraquat treatments were comparable to that from the inter-row cultivation and earthing up treatments. Paraquat treatments cost less than inter-row cultivation and earthing up operations.
