Author/Authors :
Saeed, Muhammad University of Agriculture, Pakistan , Iqbal, Mazhar University of Agriculture, Pakistan , Haroon, Muhammad University of Agriculture, Pakistan , Hussain, Zahid University of Agriculture, Pakistan , Buriro, Mahmooda Sindh Agriculture University - Dept of Agronomy, Pakistan , Memon, Mehrunisa Sindh Agriculture University - Dept of Agronomy, Pakistan , Khattak, Mansoor Khan University of Agriculture, Pakistan , Ahmad, Sheharyar University of Agriculture, Pakistan , Khan, Ishaq University of Agriculture, Pakistan
Abstract :
A field experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of different commercial herbicides and allelochemicals as water extracts on the germination and growth of horse purslane (Trianthema portulacastrum L.). The “Azam” variety of maize was used in the research. The experiment was laid out at ARI, Tarnab-Peshawar during summer, 2014, using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having three replications with 75 cm row to row distance and 20 cm plant to plant distance. Various commercial herbicides {Primextra gold 720 SC (Atrazine + s-metalachlor), Click 72.4 SE (Atrazine + acetachlor) and Buctril Super 60 EC (Bromoxynil + MCPA)} and allelochemicals {Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) aqueous extracts PRE- and POST-emergence.} were used to manage horse purslane in maize crop. Data were recorded 1000 grains weight (g) and grain yield (kg ha^-1) of maize and horse purslane density (m^-2) as well as cost benefit ratio (CBR) of the various management methods in maize. Results showed that minimum density of horse purslane as well as highest 1000 grains weight and grain yield was noted in Primextra Gold 720 SC as compared to other herbicides and allelopathic water extracts. Among plants extracts, post application of Johnson grass showed satisfactory results in suppressing horse purslane growth with a positive effect on crop yield. The economic analysis revealed that maximum net return to the farmers (1:5) might be obtained from Primextra Gold 720 SC. Hence, in light of the experimental results it is recommended for the maize growers in the agro-ecological conditions of Peshawar to use Primextra gold 720 SC @ 1.91 L. ha-1 in rotation with post application of Johnson grass extract for the better management of horse purslane.
