Weed control in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) with polyethylene film mulching

Studies conducted during the winters of 1997 - 98 and 1998 - 99 (December - March) at the Regional Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vridhachalam, India, revealed the usefulness of polyethylene film mulching in arresting weed growth and maximizing pod yield in groundnut. Among the various treatments, two (1) crop grown under polyethylene film mulching and (2) pre-planting incorporation of fluchloralin in the flat-bed system of sowing registered the lowest weed numbers at harvest (106.7 and 113.7/plot of 27 m 2 in 1997 - 98 and 1998 - 99 respectively), the lowest weed dry-matter production (51.2 and 54.5 g/plot of 27 m 2 ), maximum weed control efficiency (62.1 and 57.4%) and weed control index (83.0 and 81.1%), the highest number of matured pods/plant (17.6 and 18.0), 100 kernel weight (48.6 and 48.7 g), percentage shelling (72.6 and 72.8) and a dry pod yield of 2451 and 2468 kg ha -1 when compared with non-mulched plots. The net return and benefit:cost ratio was also highest with the same treatment in both the study periods.

Keywords:

• Weed Growth
• Mulching
• Polyethylene Film
• Groundnut