Weed Management:

Weeds are the serious problem in maize, particularly during kharif /monsoon season they competes with maize for nutrient and causes yield loss up to 35 %.Therefore, timely weed management is needed for achieving higher yield. Atrazine being a selective and broad-spectrum herbicide in maize checks the emergence of wide spectrum of weeds. Pre-emergence application of Atrazine (Atratraf 50 wp, Gesaprim 500 fw) @ of 1.0-1.5 kg a.i ha^-1 in 600 litre water, Alachlor (Lasso) @ 2-2.5 kg a.i ha^-1, Metolachlor (Dual) @ 1.5-2.0 kg a.i ha^-1, Pendamethalin (Stomp) @ 1-1.5 kg a.i. ha^-1 are effective way for control of many annual and broad leaved weeds. While spraying, following precautions should be taken care by the person during spray, he should move backward so that the Atrazine film on the soil surface may not be disturbed. Preferably three boom flat fan nozzle should be used for proper ground coverage and saving time. One to two hoeing are recommended for aeration and uprooting of the remaining weeds, if any. While doing hoeing, the person should move backward to avoid compaction and better aeration. For areas where zero tillage is practiced, pre-plant application (10-15 days prior to seeding) of non-selective herbicides viz., Glyphosate @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha^-1 in 400-600 litre water or Paraquat @ 0.5 kg a.i. ha^-1 in 600 litre water is recommended to control the weeds. Under heavy weed infestation, post-emergence application of Paraquat can also be done as protected spray using hoods.