Email:
jsmishra31@gmail.com
Address:
Directorate of Weed Science Research, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh 482 004
Berseem, Cuscuta, Herbicides, Interference, Lucerne, Pendimethalin
Field dodder (Cuscuta campestris), the most damaging annual obligate stem parasite is a serious problem in forage legumes lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.). Studies were conducted to investigate the interference of C. campestris densities in lucerne and the efficacy of herbicides for its control in lucerne and Egyptian clover. Even at Cuscuta density of 0.25 plants/m2 (1 plant/4m2) caused detrimental effect on lucerne seed yield (85.5-95.3% loss). A high dose of pendimethalin (1000 g/ha) applied pre-emergence reduced Cuscuta emergence but was phytotoxic to lucerne as compared to lower doses and application at 14 days after sowing (DAS). Application of imazethapyr 100 g/ha and pendimethalin 750 g/ha at 14 DAS significantly improved green fodder yield of lucerne but failed to control Cuscuta infestation at reproductive stage resulting in poor seed yield. Method of seeding did not influence the population and green fodder yield of Egyptian clover and Cuscuta emergence. Post-emergence (at 14 DAS) application of pendimethalin 500-750 g/ha effectively controlled Cuscuta campestris in Egyptian clover and produced the maximum green fodder and seed yields.