What is the impact of weeds:

What is the impact of weeds:

In Horticulture crops, weeds cause several direct and indirect negative impacts like reducing yield, increasing production costs, reducing irrigation efficiency, and serving as hosts for pests. Weeds also directly hinder crop growth by competing for available resources and, in some cases, by releasing growth-suppressing chemicals. However, the degree of damage from weed competition is related to the type of weeds and weed density.

What is integrated weed management

What is integrated weed management

There are different types of weed management practices which includes preventive, cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical. Integrated weed management (IWM) requires a system that integrates all these management strategies. However, management strategies must be selected based on the field characteristics because the efficacy of each strategy could vary depending on the local environmental conditions. Instead of relying on one particular method of weed control, an IWM system uses a combination of methods. The use of IWM has been shown to be the most effective way to manage weeds.

Steps in better weed management

Steps in better weed management

1. Identify weed: The first step to weed management is to correctly identify the weeds present in the field. Weeds can be identified with the help of fellow farmers or Krishi Vigyan Kendra and State Agriculture Universities. In order to make correct management decisions, it is also important to know the life cycle of the present weeds.

2. Control weeds before flowering: For all weeds, it is better to control before they start flowering. If the weeds start flowering they propagate by seeds and in the next season, it will be very difficult to control the weeds.

3. Select the right herbicides for weed management : Successful chemical weed control requires the proper understanding of chemicals

a. Pre-emergent herbicides: Herbicides generally applied prior to weed emergence. However, some herbicides, such as Atrazine ( Example Atrataf) are very effective against broadleaf weeds while herbicides like Alachlor ( Example Lasso)have effective against grassy weeds. Soil should be moist when pre-emergent herbicides are applied.

b. Post-emergent herbicides: Herbicides, such as Glyphosate ( Roundup) Glufosinate (Fascinate), Gramoxone ( Paraquat) are all applied after weed emergence. Weeds should be actively growing stage during post-emergent herbicide application. Use hood/ cover to avoid drift of weedicides if they are applied in the inter rows.

4. Apply weedicides uniformly with the correct quantity of herbicide(s) over the target area. Calibrate sprayer and find out how much spray fluid is required. If the spray concentrations are too low may not provide weed control. Only use herbicide nozzle ( WFN 40 ) type available for spraying herbicides.

5. Avoid transportation of weeds through Agriculture implements: Many of the troublesome weeds can be spread from one field to another by harvesting equipment. While doing Agriculture operations it is essential to clean the implements to avoid the spread of seeds to new areas.

6. Weed Control by tillage: Follow up practices to dislodge and uproot the weeds that emerge after tillage. Mechanical weed control is more successful when the weeds are relatively small than when the weeds are large. Do tillage operations when only necessary, otherwise frequent tillage operations will help underground seeds to expose to sunlight and they can start germinating.

7. Follow cultural methods of weed management: Several cultural practices like planting, fertilizer application, irrigation etc., are to be used properly, help in controlling weeds. Cultural methods, alone cannot control weeds, but help in reducing the weed population.

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