What are for efficient weed management option in direct seeded and unpuddled transplanted rice?
Chemical molecules available in local market places are not appropriate for control of aquatic grassy weeds. Hence to reduce the weed intensity in rice culture, other options should also be adopted. For DSR, stale bed technique allows most weeds to emerge ahead of transplanting. These weeds can be killed by application Gramoxone/ Roundup, applied 2 days before sowing. Sowing of primed seed helps in early emergence of rice seedlings before weeds and in such situations we can apply pre-emergence herbicides more effectively. Mulching and inter-cropping are some good options to control weeds in DSR. Growing of varieties with early vigor and high tillering capacity suppress the weeds effectively in DSR.
