IMPACT OF TIME OF WEED REMOVAL ON GARLIC (Allium sativum L.) YIELD

Weeds compete with garlic crop for nutrients, moisture, space, and light, ultimately decreasing the bulb yield. Proper weed management is considered a key to get higher yields. A field experimental trial was conducted to compare the effect of different weeding intervals on garlic yield and yield related components. Randomized complete block design, having six treatments and five replications was used in the experiment. The data recorded in different plots, where weeds were uprooted manually at intervals of 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days, were compared with control, where weeds were left free to grow through out the crop season. The major weeds were Avena fatua, Chenopodium album, Chenopodium murale, Convolvulus arvensis, Coronopus didymus, Euphorbia helioscopia, Medicago denticulata, Phalaris minor, Rumex dentatus, and Melilotus indica. Garlic bulb yield and yield related parameters i.e. bulb diameter, bulb height and bulb weight were highly significantly (p≤0.01) influenced by different weeding intervals as compared to control (no weeding). The maximum bulb yield was found in plot with 15 days weeding interval whereas, minimum bulb yield was recorded in control. Similarly weed density, weed fresh and dry biomass reduced significantly (p≤0.01) with decrease in weeding intervals.