Broad-spectrum weed control, herbicide residue, crop safety
Based on two years’ (2004-05 and 2005-06) field experimentation, it was found that chlorsulfuron 30 g/ha, metsulfuron 4 g/ha and triasulfuron 60 g/ha reduced the density of different broadleaf weeds in wheat to the extent of 90-100% and proved better than sulfosulfuron (20 and 25 g/ha) and 2, 4-D Na salt (500 and 750 g/ha). Weed control efficiency (WCE) against total broadleaf weeds based on average dry weight of two years due to chlorsulfuron 30 g/ha, metsulfuron 4 g/ha and triasulfuron 60 g/ha varied between 86-89%; however, triasulfuron 40 and 60 g/ha was at par in this respect. Effective tillers and grain yield of wheat were maximum in the plots kept weed free throughout the crop season; however, statistically it was at par with chlorsulfuron 30 g, triasulfuron 40 and 60 g and metsulfuron 4 g/ha during both the years. Weeds growing throughout the crop season reduced the grain yield to the extent of 46 and 40% during 2004-05 and 2005-06, respectively. Plant height of succeeding crop of sorghum at 45 DAS was significantly reduced by triasulfuron 60 g/ha both under prepared and unprepared field conditions and also by sulfosulfuron 25 g/ha only under unprepared field situation. Similarly, fresh weight of sorghum under prepared field situation at 45 DAS during both the years and fodder yield at harvest during 2004-05 only were significantly reduced due to residual toxicity of triasulfuron 60 g/ha applied in wheat