Weed Science

The present study was carried out at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar during rainy seasons 2014 and 2015 to determine the efficacy of post-emergence application of cyhalofop-butyl in managing weeds in direct-seeded rice. Eight treatments, viz. cyhalofop-butyl 10% EC at 65, 75, 80 and 90 g/ha, cyhalofop-butyl 10% EC at 75 and 80 g/ha, hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS and untreated control were laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Application of cyhalofop-butyl controlled grassy weeds better than the non-grassy weeds and recorded maximum weed control efficiency, higher yield attributes and yield. Application of cyhalofop-butyl in rice did not show any phytotoxic effect on succeeding wheat.

A field experiment was conducted at Chiplima, Sambalpur, Odisha during the rainy season of 2014 and 2015 to study the effect of sand-mix application of pre-emergence herbicides on weed population yield and economics of transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.). Application of chlorimuron + metsulfuron 4 g/ha, bensulfuron 60 g/ha and pyrazosulfuron 16 g/ha alone was selectively effictive on broad-leaf weeds while pretilachlor 500 g/ha was effective on grasses. Pre-emergence application of pyrazosulfuron with pretilachlor (16 + 500 g/ha) was more effective in minimizing the density (10/m2), biomass (4.8 g/m2) of weeds and enhancing the weed control efficiency (89.3%), grain yield (6.14 t/ha), net returns (` 53.2 x 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.37) than pretilachlor alone.

Field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons of 2014 and 2015 to study the effect on weed management practices in wet direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Cauvery command area of Karnataka under irrigated condition with eight treatments replicated thrice. Pre-emergence application of bensulfuron-methyl + pretilachlor GR (Londax Power) at 660 g/ha fb bispyribac-sodium (Nominee Gold) at 25 g/ha at 20 days after sowing (DAS) significantly reduced weed growth and recorded the higher seed yield (4.80 t/ha), net monetary returns (` 25631/ha) and B:C ratio (1.62) and it was at par with other sequential treatments, viz. pre-emergence application of pendimethalin at 1.0 kg/ha (Stomp) fb post-emergence application of bispyribac-sodium, pre-emergence application of bensulfuron-methyl + pretilachlor, application of pendimethalin as pre-emergence fb 1 HW. Uncontrolled weed growth caused 55.2% reduction in seed yield of wet seeded rice.

The field efficacy of pre-mixture of pinoxaden plus clodinafop for control of Phalaris minor Retz. in wheat was evaluated in winter 2011-12 and 2012-13 on Research Farm, Department of Agronomy at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The study comprised of pre-mixture of pinoxaden plus clodinafop 40, 50 and 60 g/ha, clodinafop 60 g/ha, pinoxaden 50 g/ha and unsprayed control. The results revealed that post-emergence application of pre-mixture of pinoxaden plus clodinafop at 50-60 g/ha recorded effective control of P. minor and recorded the highest effective tillers/m2, spike length and wheat grain yield and was significantly better than its application at 40 g/ha and clodinafop during both the years and pinoxaden alone in one year.

The effect of tillage and weed management practices on density and biomass of Medicago denticulata, Chenopodium album and Phalaris minor as well as productivity of wheat in soybean-wheat-greengram cropping system was evaluated during 2013-14 and 2014-15 at ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur. The density and biomass of weeds were reduced to maximum when conventional tillage was done in wheat under CT-CT-fallow system followed by conventional tillage in wheat under CT-ZT-ZT system. While, weed density and biomass were minimum with zero tillage in wheat in the presence of residues of preceding soybean under ZT+R-ZT+R-ZT+R system followed by ZT-ZT+R-ZT+R system, which recorded higher grain and straw yields as well as gross and net monetary returns. Metsulfuron + clodinafop (4 + 60 g/ha) ready mixture applied at 25 DAS recorded the lowest weed density as well as biomass and higher crop yield and monetary returns. The interaction indicated that metsulfuron + clodinafop (4 + 60 g/ha) applied in wheat with zero tillage in presence of residues of preceding soybean under ZT+R-ZT+R-ZT+R and ZT-ZT+R-ZT+R system has resulted in lower weed density and biomass with higher weed control efficiency, grain and straw yields, higher gross and net monetary returns including B:C ratio than other combinations.

A field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh during rainy seasons of 2015 and 2016 to find out the best chemical weed management practices in maize (Zea mays L.). Twelve treatments were tested in randomized block design with three replications. Treatments consisted of pre-emergence (PE) and post-emergence (PoE) herbicides applications along with weed free check and weedy check. Experimental results indicated that PoE of tank mix formulation of tembotrione 50 g/ha + atrazine 0.5 kg/ha at 15-20 days after seeding (DAS) has recorded highest weed control efficiency (93.6 and 96.9%, respectively during 2015 and 2016) followed by hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS (90.1 and 95.6%, respectively). Grain yield was significantly higher (9.79 t/ha and 8.70 t/ha, respectively) with hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 DAS, and it was closely followed by PoE of tembotrione 50 g/ha + atrazine 0.5 kg/ha (9.65 t/ha and 8.61 t/ha respectively). Net monetary returns (` 104357 and ` 97985, respectively) and B:C ratio (2.94 and 3.14, respectively) were also significantly high with PoE application of tembotrione 50 g/ha + atrazine 0.5 kg/ha.

Twelve weed control treatments, viz. atrazine 1.0 kg/ha (2 days after sowing, DAS), metribuzin 0.25 kg/ha (2 DAS), oxyflourfen 0.15 kg/ha (2 DAS) alone and in integration with hoeing at 30 DAS, atrazine 1.0 kg/ha (2 DAS) followed by (fb) atrazine 0.5 kg/ha (30 DAS), atrazine 1.0 kg/ha + pendimethalin 0.5 kg/ha (2 DAS), intercropping of cowpea and mung bean, hand weeding thrice (15, 30 and 45 DAS) and weedy check were tested in maize during 2012 and 2013 under Kangra valley conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Herbicides alone, in combination with hoeing and sequential application significantly reduced the count and dry weight of weeds and increased number of cobs, 100-grain weight and grain yield of maize over the intercropping treatments. Maize grain yield was negatively associated with weed count (r= -0.819**) and weed dry weight (r = -0.791**) and positively correlated with cobs number (r = 0.950**), cob length (r = 0.879**) and 100-seed weight (r = 0.836**). With unit increase in weed count, the grain yield of maize decreased by 75.5 kg/ha. Un-checked weed growth reduced the grain yield of maize by 60.7%. Based on the results, metribuzin 0.250 kg/ha, atrazine 1.00 kg/ha, atrazine 1.0 kg/ha fb atrazine 0.5 kg/ha (30 DAS), oxyflourfen 0.15 kg/ha, atrazine 1.0 kg/ha + pendimethalin 0.5 kg/ha and metribuzin 0.25 kg/ha fb hoeing (30 DAS) were recommended for effective management of diverse weed flora in maize under Kangra valley conditions of Himachal Pradesh.

Introducing Bt insect resistance genes into hybrid maize seems to be the most feasible and effective technique accessible to control the pest. Transgenic stack hybrid maize (MON 89034X NK 603) was developed by Monsanto for checking yield losses of maize crop to increase productivity. Transgenic stack hybrid maize was claimed to have both insect protection and herbicide tolerant traits to provide protection to the crop from target pests and also provide effective weed management. MON 89034X NK 603 is 2nd generation glyphosate tolerant with Bt maize technology effective against lepidopteron insect pests with “dual mode of action”. A field experiment was carried out at ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur for two years during Kharif (rainy season) 2009 and 2010 to evaluate the efficacy of transgenic stack hybrid maize (MON 89034X NK 603) against shoot borer (Chilo partellus), cob borer (Helicoverpa armigera), non-target insect pests and beneficial insects. Treatments consisted of two transgenic stacked hybrids named ‘Hishell’ and ‘‘900M Gold’’ with two conventional hybrids namely ‘Proagro-4640’ and ‘‘HQPM-1’’. Artificial infestation of Chilo partelus revealed complete absence of stem borer infestation in all the transgenic entries of ‘Hishell’ and ‘900M Gold’ with less than one leaf injury score (LIS), while in other conventional entries, stem borer infestation was observed and LIS was more than one. Hlicovepa armigera infestation was also not observed on transgenic hybrids whereas in the remaining non-transgenic maize treatment, significant attack of Helicoverpa armigera was observed in the range of 37 to 56%. These transgenic entries were not found resistant to aphids and grass hoppers. Beneficial insects were observed to visit transgenic Bt maize and conventional maize entries with no significant difference.

A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm of S. K. Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner during Kharif 2014 and 2015 to study the efficacy of pre- and post-emergence herbicides in managing weeds in greengram (Vigna radiata) and herbicides carryover effect on Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) grown during succeeding Rabi seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16. Ten weed control treatments, viz. pendimethalin 1000 g/ha pre-emergence (PE), imazethapyr 50 and 70 g/ha (early post-emergence; PoE), imazethapyr + pendimethalin (ready mix) 800, 900, and 1000 g/ha pre-emergence (PE), imazethapyr + imazamox 60 and 70 g/ha, two hand weedings at 20 and 40 days after seeding (DAS) and weedy check were evaluated in greengram grown in three replications with randomized block design (RBD). Two hand weedings at 20 and 40 DAS resulted in lowest weed density of broad-leaf and grassy weed, total weed biomass at 60 days after sowing, significantly highest number of branches per plant, pods per plant, seeds per pod and seed and straw yield compared to other treatments. Imazethapyr + pendimethalin 800 g/ha PE was at par with two hand weedings in managing weeds and increasing greengram yield. Application of herbicides did not cause any adverse effect on succeeding mustard in both years. 

A field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons in 2011 and 2012 to study the efficacy of pre- and post-emergence herbicides on weeds, growth, symbiotic traits and grain yield of greengram. Pre-emergence application of pre-mix pendimethalin + imazethapyr at 1.0 kg/ha showed lowest weed index and highest weed control efficiency, followed by pre-mix pendimethalin + imazethapyr at 0.75 kg/ha and two hand weedings done at 20 and 40 days after sowing. Post-emergence application of quizalofop-ethyl at 37.5 g/ha reduced the number and dry weight of nodules/plant compared to other herbicides. Weed free treatment provided the highest grain yield, gross returns and net returns. Among the herbicides, pre-emergence application of pre-mix pendimethalin + imazethapyr at 1.0 and 0.75 kg/ha recorded higher grain yield (1.41 and 1.31 t/ha, respectively) and provided higher net returns (` 52970 and ` 48390, respectively) and B:C ratio (2.57 and 2.44, respectively) than the other treatments of herbicides due to significant reduction in the dry weight of weeds and higher weed control efficiency and consequently improving the yield attributing parameters. 

A field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons of 2014 and 2015 at College of Agriculture, Gwalior (M.P.) to study the effect of herbicides in blackgram. The experiment was laid out with 12 treatments, viz. imazethapyr with four application rates 70 and 80 g/ha as pre-emergence (PE) and 70 and 80 g/ha as post-emergence (PoE); imazethapyr + imazamox (RM) 70 and 80 g/ha as PE, and 70 and 80 g/ha as PoE, pendimethalin 1000 g/ha as PE, pendimethalin + imazethapyr (RM) 1000 g/ha PE, two hand weedings at 20 and 40 DAS (weed free) and weedy check in a randomized block design. Two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS were found to be very efficient in controlling the dominant grassy weeds and gave maximum seed yield (924 kg/ha) fb ready mix herbicides i.e. imazethapyr + imazamox 80 g/ha as PoE (905 kg/ha) and pendimethalin + imazethapyr 1000 g/ha as PE (879 kg/ha). Net returns and B:C ratio were the highest for the application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr (1000 g/ha PE) (3.32) fb application of imazethapyr + imazamox (80 g/ha PoE) (3.11). 

A field experiment was carried out during two consecutive seasons of Kharif 2013 and 2014 to evaluate effect of weed management and sulphur nutrition on the nutrient uptake by weeds and crop in clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.]. Minimum weed dry matter of narrow-leaved (239 kg/ha), broad-leaved (285 kg/ha) and total dry weight (524 kg/ha) was observed under hand weeding at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS),which was closely followed by the sequential application of pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha followed by (fb) imazethapyr 0.075 kg/ha as post-emergence. The highest seed (1.22 t/ha), haulm (2.44 t/ha) and biological yields (3.66 t/ha) was registered in hand weeded twice, which was statistically at par to pendimethalin fb imazethapyr. Hand weeding twice and pendimethalin fb imazethapyr, with non-significant difference between these two, saved N and P uptake by 56, 47 and 55, 46%, respectively, compared to weedy check in combined uptake of nutrient both by weeds and crop.

A field experiment was conducted during the summer seasons of 2013 and 2014 in Vertisol soil to evaluate the fruit yield and weed dynamics influenced by weed management practices at the College Farm, N.M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. Results showed that three hand weeding (HW) at 20, 40 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) recorded significantly higher weed control efficiency with minimum weed population. All growth and yield attributes were significantly higher under three HW at 20, 40 and 60 DAS. Consequently, higher fruit yield (16.78 t/ha) was also registered  with three HW at 20, 40 and 60 DAS and remained at par with two HW at 20 and 40 DAS and pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha as pre-emergence + quizalofop-ethyl 0.04 kg/ha at 30 DAS. For achieving higher and profitable fruit yield, two HW at 20 and 40 DAS found appropriate. However, under a scarce labour situation, application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha as pre-emergence + quizalofop-ethyl 0.04 kg/ha at 30 DAS was also found remunerative.

A field experiment was conducted during, winter seasons 2014-15 and 2015-16 to evaluate the weed management practices in garlic. The experiment was conducted in a split plot design having straw mulch treatments in main plot (0, 5 t/ha and 10 t/ha) and weed control treatment, viz. pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha (pre-emergence), oxyfluorfen 0.223 kg/ha (pre-emergence) manual weeding (2) and weedy check. Application of mulch at 10 t/ha declined the weed population and recorded significantly lower weed density and higher weed control efficiency (71.65 and 75.17%), and higher growth and yield (2.08 and 2.72 t/ha) of garlic as compared to without mulch treatment. Among the weed control measures, application of oxyfluorfen 0.223 kg/ha recorded significantly lower weed density (55.9 and 70.89 m2) and higher growth and yield (2.05 and 2.53 t/ha) of garlic as compared to weedy check, but it was at par with pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha application. Maximum BCR (1.19 and 2.18) was recorded under the paddy straw mulch applied at 10 t/ha and oxyfluorfen 0.223 kg/ha (1.11 and 2.14) as pre-emergence application.

To study the effect of sequential use of herbicides for weed control in Egyptian clover (berseem) crop, a field experiment was conducted under All India Coordinated Research Project on Forage Crops and Utilization, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, during Rabi (winter) seasons of 2012-2013, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. The field experiment with 10 weed control treatments was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. Among the weed control treatments, oxyfluorfen 0.1 kg/ha fb imazethapyr 0.1 kg/ha applied after first cut recorded the lowest weed count and weed dry weight with higher weed control efficiency. However, it was at par with the application of imazethapyr 0.1 kg/ha after first and second cut. The green forage yield, dry matter yield, seed yield, straw yield, crude protein yield, gross monetary returns and benefit-cost ratio were significantly superior in the treatment of imazethapyr 0.1 kg/ha applied after harvest of first and second cut.

A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during 2013-14 and 2014-15 with a view to study the crop-weed competition as influenced by different weed management practices in Rabi (winter season) sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.). Twelve weed management treatments were evaluated in a randomized block design with four replications. Pre-emergence (PE) application of atrazine 0.5 kg/ha + pendimethalin 0.25 kg/ha as tank mixture significantly reduced weed population and weed biomass, increased the weed control efficiency at early stage, next to weed free treatment. However, at the rest of the growth stages, two HW and inter culturing (IC) at 20 and 40 DAS, atrazine 0.5 kg/ha PE + HW and IC at 20 DAS, pendimethalin 0.5 kg/ha PE + HW and IC at 20 DAS effectively controlled the weeds, reduced the weed biomass and increased the weed control efficiency. Nutrient losses by weeds were highest under unweeded control and lowest with weed free condition followed by application of atrazine 0.5 kg/ha PE + HW and IC at 20 DAS.

The field trial was laid out in RBD with 12 treatments and replicated thrice in agricultural farm of Visva-Bharati during Kharif, 2014. The herbicidal treatments were bispyribac and penxsulam alone; tank of bispyribac with ethoxysulfuron and (chlorimuron + metsulfuron); pretilachlor fb ethoxysulfuron and (chlorimuron + metsulfuron) pyrazosulfuron fb (chlorimuron + metsulfuron) ready mix of penoxsulam + cyhalofop, ready mix of triafamone + ethoxysulfuron and pendimethalin fb bispyribac. Two hand weeding and weedy check also included with an idea to find out the best herbicides / herbicide mixtures for weed control in transplanted rice. Early post-emergence application of penoxsulam + cyhalofop as ready-mix was found most effective in controlling total weed population recorded the highest number of effective tillers/m2, number of grains/panicle and grain yield of transplanted rice. 

The present study was carried out during Kharif season of 2012 at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. The dominant weed flora observed in the experimental plots were Echinochloa colona, E. crus-galli, Leptochloa chinensis, Ischaemum rugosum among grasses and Ammania baccifera, Alternanthra sessilis and Caesulia axillaris among broad-leaf weeds and Cyperus difformis among the sedges. Grasses were the most dominant weeds which occupied more than 60% of SDR followed by broad-leaved weeds (27.7%) and sedges (12.2%). Pre-emergence application of pretilachlor at 0.75 kg/ha with no irrigation up to one week fb PoE application of bispyribac-Na at 20 g/ha was the most promising treatment which recorded higher rice grain and straw yield as compared to other weed control treatments.

The experiment was conducted during September 2015 to January 2016 in a farmer’s field one meter below of mean sea level in Thrissur district of Kerala. Tank mix application of cyhalofop-butyl (80 g/ha) with pyrazosulfuron-ethyl (30 g/ha) at 18 DAS gave effective control of mixed weed flora in wet-seeded rice. It is not advisable to tank mix cyhalofop-butyl with Almix® as it will lead to complete loss of activity of cyhalofop-butyl. Tank mixing of pre emergence herbicides with cyhalofop-butyl was found to be less effective than their sequential application.

Among the herbicides, application of orthosulfamuron 100 g/ha was effective in suppressing sedges and broad-leaved weeds, metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron-ethyl 4 g/ha was effective in suppressing broad-leaved weeds and sequential application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha at 3-5 DAS fb metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron-ethyl 4 g/ha at 20-25 DAS performed better in controlling weeds resulting in higher weed control efficiency and lower weed index when compared to alone application of herbicides either as pre-emergence and post-emergence. Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha at 3-5 DAS fb metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron-ethyl 4 g/ha as post-emergence at 20-25 DAS, was evidenced higher grain yield and higher uptake of nutrients in crops and lower uptake of nutrients i.e., N, P and K in weeds.

A field experiment was conducted at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal during 2011-12 to study the degradation dynamics of an acetanilide herbicide alachlor in maize ecosystem. Alachlor (50% EC) was applied to the cropped soil at 2500 and 5000 g/ha at 38 days after the sowing of seed. The initial deposits of alachlor in maize leaf ranged from 0.30 - 0.39 µg/g at recommended dose and 0.61-0.65 µg/g at double dose but in maize field soil, the corresponding values were 1.23-1.31 µg/g and 2.46 to 2.52 µg/g for recommended and double dose, respectively. The alachlor residues in maize leaf were below the limit of quantification LOQ of 0.01 µg/g on 15th day after application whereas, it still persisted up to 15th day in soil samples irrespective of dose. At harvest, residues of alachlor were not observed in maize grains and soil samples. The half-life values of alachlor in maize ranged from 3.17-3.62 days irrespective of dose and substrate.

A field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with ten weed management practices to determine the bioefficacy of PoE herbicides, halosulfuron-methyl 67.5 g/ha and tembotrione 100 g/ha alone or tank mix and sequential application after PE application of alachlor 1000 g/ha, besides two hand weedings and unweeded control. The broad-spectrum weed control and the highest grain yield of rainy season maize was obtained with sequntial application of alachlor 1000 g/ha as PE fb PoE application of halosulfuron-methyl 67.5 g/ha + tembotrione 100 g/ha (tank mix). Post-emergence application of halosulfuron-methyl 67.5 g/ha effectively controlled purple nutsedge.

A Field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Bhavanisagar of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University during Rabi 2013-14 to study the bio-efficacy evaluation of flumioxazine for weed control in soybean. Higher weed control efficiency was obtained with pre-emergence application of flumioxazine at 250 g/ha followed by its lower dose of 150 g/ha. Among the treatments, pre-emergence application of flumioxazine at 112.5 g/ha recorded increased yield and economic returns in soybean. Hence, the pre-emergence application of flumioxazine at 112.5 g/ha was found to reduce the weed density below the economic threshold level and increased the yield and net return in soybean without any phytotoxic effect on the crop and residual effect on the succeeding crop.

Pre-emergence or pre-plant incorporation of imazethapyr at 80 g/ha either alone or in combination with one hoeing at 45 DAS provided 80-95% control of C. album, C. murale, C. didymus and R. dentatus without any adverse effect on fenugreek. Post emergence application of this herbicide at 70 g/ha or its ready mixture with imazamox (Odessey) although provided 58-78% control of weeds but caused suppression in crop growth with yield penalty of 28-33% as compared to weed free check. Pre, PPI and post-emergence application treatments of imazethapyr and imazethapyr + imazamox (RM) caused suppression in cotton and okra crops. Crops blackgram, bottle gourd and bottle gourd were safe to grow after use of imazethapyr and its ready mix combination in fenugreek.

A field experiment was conducted at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi during rainy season of 2014 to study the efficacy of weed control methods as a suitable integrated weed management for better production of turmeric. Dry matter accumulation by total plant parts was maximum under atrazine 0.75 kg/ha pre-emergence (PE) followed by (fb) straw mulch at 10 DAP fb hand weeding at 75 DAP at all the stages. Application of atrazine 0.75 kg/ha PE fb straw mulch at 10 DAP fb hand weeding at 75 DAP recorded higher rhizome yield consequently higher gross return (` 725917/ha). However, maximum net return (` 621216/ha) and B:C ratio (5.93) was recorded with application of atrazine 0.75 kg/ha PE fb straw mulch at 10 DAP fb hand weeding at 75 DAP. 

It was concluded that pre-plant application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha fb hand weeding at 30 and 60 DAP was effective in controlling weeds and improving growth and flower productivity of chrysanthemum.

In vitro study, pathogenicity test of the isolate, Gibbago trianthemae which causes leaf spot and blight disease on horse purslane was confirmed. Study revealed that G. trianthemae is highly pathogenic to horse purslane as evidenced by the rapid rate of infection and colonization of the host. The test plants inoculated with 5x104 spores/ml concentration showed high susceptibility to G. trianthemae incheding of crops only. Foliar pathogen G. trianthemae might be useful as a mycoherbicide to control its host weed. 

No egg hatching of P. brassicae was recorded at the highest concentration (5.0%) of petroleum ether and aqueous extracts of Parthenium. After 48 hrs of exposure of first instar of P. brassicae, 100% mortality was recorded at 2.5% and 5.0  concentra-tion.  Aqueous extract of Parthenium provided good control with 70.0% mortality of second instar of P. brassicae after 48 hrs of exposure.  The petroleum ether extract and aqueous extract of Parthenium provided 50% and 60% mortality of first instar of S. litura, whereas 10% aqueous extract of   P. hysterophorous recorded maximum % growth inhibition of Sclerotium rolfsii (59.5%).  The compost prepared with E. fetida inoculum had high N, P, K content and low organic carbon and C/N ratio.  Maximum (62.8%) recovery was recorded in Parthenium + cow dung + earthworm treatment.