Effect of post emergence herbicide on weed index and yield of pigeonpea [Cajanuscajan (L.) millsp] in Maharashtra

The research was carried out during kharif season of 2013–14 to find out the cost-effective weed management practices with special focus on fine tuning the dose and time of herbicide application, and its impact on growth and yield of pigeonpea at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri. The result of the study revealed that application of imazethapyr @ 10% SL POE 100 a.i. (g) (1000 ml ha⁻¹) of water was significantly effective to control the grassy and broad- leaved weed intensity. Weed free treatment recorded significantly maximum value of herbicide efficiency index (5.68), however it was at par with the application of imazethapyr @ 10% SL POE 100 a.i. (g) mm (1000 ml ha⁻¹) (1.35). Significantly higher seed yield was recorded in weed free treatment (2402 kg ha⁻¹). However, it was at par with application of imazethapyr @ 10% SL POE 100 a.i. (g) (1000 ml ha⁻¹) (2284 kg ha⁻¹). The seed yield was increased by 42.8 per cent, with weed free treatment and 39.8 percent with application of imazethapyr @ 10% SL POE 100 a.i. (g) (1000 ml ha⁻¹) as compared to weedy check.