IMPACT OF MANUAL WEEDING INTERVAL ON ONION (Allium cepa L.) YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS

A field experiment was conducted to assess the impact of weeding interval on yield and yield components of onion (Allium cepa L.) in Horticultural Research Area, Gomal University, D.I. Khan, during winter 2010-11, Using RCB design with seven treatments viz. no weeding (control) and manual weeding at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 days interval. Each treatment was replicated thrice. The data recorded in different plots, was compared with control plot. Onion bulb yield and related parameters (bulb diameter, bulb height and bulb weight) were significantly (p.0.01) affected by different weeding intervals as compared to control (no weeding). The maximum bulb yield was found in plots with 15 days weeding interval whereas, minimum bulb yield was recorded in control. Similarly weed density and weed biomass (fresh and dry) were reduced significantly (p.0.01) with decrease in weeding intervals.