Integrated weed management strategies for direct-seeded rice in the indo-gangetic plains

Abstract

The shift from transplanted to direct-seeded rice (DSR) removes the weed-suppressing effect of standing water. This research evaluated integrated weed management (IWM) strategies in DSR at the University of Ibadan during 2022-2023 wet seasons. Eight treatments were tested in RCBD with three replications. High-intensity IWM reduced weed density by 93.1% and dry matter by 91.7% at 90 DAS. Grain yield reached 4.83 t/ha versus 1.24 t/ha (weedy check) and 3.91 t/ha (herbicide alone). Echinochloa colona was suppressed by 82.2%. The benefit-cost ratio for high-intensity IWM was 2.37 versus 1.94 for herbicide-only control.