Efficiency of certain clodinafop-propargyl formulations in controlling annual grassy weeds in wheat

Field experiments were conducted in 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 seasons to evaluate the effect of four post-emergence clodinafop-propargyl formulations (Topic 15% WP, Akopic 24% EC, Current 24% EC and Herstop 15% WP) and hand weeding for controlling annual grassy weeds in wheat fields. Wheat seeds were sown in 25 and 30 November in both seasons, respectively. The tested herbicides were applied 30 days after sowing (DAS), while hand weeding was practiced twice (20 and 40 DAS). Fresh and dry weed biomasses (g m 2) were recorded 60 DAS, whereas length of spike (cm), weight of spike (g), weight of 1000 grain (g), number of spikelet spike 1, number of grains spike 1 and wheat grain and straw yields (kg plot 1) were determined at harvest. All the tested formulations significantly decreased weed density as well as fresh and dry weed biomasses of the annual grasses (Poa annua L., Avena fatua L., Polypogon monospeliensis L., and Lolium temulentum L.) prevailed in wheat field during both seasons. These formulations also increased all the biological parameters of wheat crop including its grain and straw yields. In this regarded, Topic (15% WP) was the most effective one followed by Akopik 24% EC, Current 24% EC and Herstop 15% WP.