Integrated weed management (IWM) strategies
- Cultural methods: Timely sowing, optimal seed rates, crop rotation, cover cropping, and intercropping with dense canopy legumes to shade out weeds.
- Mechanical weeding: Tillage, harrowing, hand weeding with khurpis, and intercultural weeding using motorized power weeders and wheel hoes.
- Biological control: Utilizing host-specific bio-control agents such as the Mexican beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata) against Parthenium hysterophorus.
- Chemical weed control: Applying approved selective herbicides (weedicides) targeted at specific weed classes and crop stages.
Classification and examples of agricultural weedicides
- Pre-emergence herbicides: Applied to soil before crop or weed emergence (e.g., Pendimethalin in pulses/oilseeds, Atrazine in corn/sugarcane).
- Post-emergence selective herbicides: Applied to standing weeds after crop emergence (e.g., 2,4-D in wheat, Bispyribac-sodium in paddy, Imazethapyr in soybean).
- Non-selective systemic herbicides: Destroy all green vegetation upon contact (e.g., Glyphosate in non-cropped areas, Glufosinate-ammonium with drift hoods).
Critical crop-weed competition period
The most critical window for weed control is during the first 30 to 45 days after sowing across most field crops. Keeping fields weed-free during this early period prevents irreversible crop stunting and ensures maximum fertilizer use efficiency.
Official source
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ICAR - Directorate of Weed Research (DWR) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What are weedicides and what are common examples?
Weedicides (herbicides) are chemicals that eliminate weeds; common examples include Pendimethalin, 2,4-D, Atrazine, and Imazethapyr.
What is the critical period of crop-weed competition?
The critical period is generally the initial 30 to 45 days after sowing when weeds cause the greatest damage to crop yield potential.
What is the difference between pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides?
Pre-emergence herbicides are applied to soil before weeds germinate, while post-emergence herbicides are sprayed onto growing weeds.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
More Crop Protection & Pesticides guides
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