Chemical Weed Control in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years during winter seasons to assess the comparative efficacy of pendimethalin, metolachlor, fIuchloralin and trifIuralin each at 0.75 and 1.0 kg ha−1 for controlling weeds in chickpea grown in sandy loam soil. Weeds caused an average reduction of 30% in seed yield of chickpea when allowed to compete till harvest. Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha−1 registered highest weed control efficiency at different stages which enhanced yield attributes leading to higher seed yield (1702 kg ha−1) and net return (Rs. 6312 ha−1). This treatment was at par with weed free check which produced seed yield of 1824 kg ha−1.