Effect of different herbicides on weed control efficiency, fodder and seed yields of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) in central India

Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is an important winter season forage crop, heavily infested with weeds. A multi-location trial was conducted at Jabalpur, Rahuri and Urulikanchan during 2012–15 under All India Coordinated Research Project on Forage Crops to identify the suitable herbicides for weed control in berseem. The different treatment combinations were made with preemergence herbicides viz.., pendimethalin and oxyfluorfen and a post-emergence herbicide, imazethapyr in different proportion along with weedy check (control). Results showed that pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 0.4 kg a.i./ha followed by imazethapyr @ 0.1 kg a.i./ha after first cut reduces weed density and dry weight at Jabalpur. However, Oxyfluorfen followed by Imazethapyr @ 0.1 kg a.i./ha was superior in weed control efficiency at Rahuri (66.9%) and Urulikanchan (83.9%). Furthermore, this treatment also increased green fodder and seed yield by 81and 119%, respectively over weedy check across locations. Thus, pre-emergence application of oxyfluorfen followed by imazethapyr @ 0.1 kg a.i./ha after first cut was recommended in central India for better weed control, fodder and seed yields of berseem and higher economic returns.