Evaluation of different integrated weed control techniques on transplanted finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) in the coastal region of Karaikal

A field experiment was conducted at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal during rabi season 2017-18 to evaluate different integrated weed control techniques on transplanted finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) in the coastal region of Karaikal. The experiment involving ten treatments which were evaluated in Randomised Block Design and replicated thrice. Eleven weed species belonging to grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds were found to be associated with finger millet in experimental site. Among all treatments, hand weeding twice at 15 and 30 DAT (T9) and Pendimethalin @ 750g ha-1­at 3 DAT + one hand weeding at 30 DAT (T2) resulted in lowest dry weight of weeds throughout the crop growth period and also registered the lowest nutrient uptake by weeds. Integrated weed control with pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin @ 750g ha-1­at 3 DAT + one hand weeding at 30 DAT (T2) registered higher values of growth and yield components which was followed by hand weeding twice at 15 and 30 DAT (T9). It was concluded that Pendimethalin @ 750g ha-1­at 3 DAT + one hand weeding at 30 DAT is the most effective weed management practice for achieving increased nutrient uptake by crop, higher grain yield and net returns through effective control of weeds in transplanted finger millet.