Phytotoxic effect of herbicides with and without surfactant on weed growth and yield of wheat

Abstract EN

Use of surfactants is an effective mean of improving herbicide efficiency.

The herbicides methabenzthiazuron [l ,3-Dimethyl-3-(2-benzothiazolyl)urea], chlortoluron[N-(3, Chloro-4-methyl phenyl)-N-N-dimethyl urea] + MCPA(2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxy acetic acid] and lsoproturon [3-(4-isopropylphenyl)-1, 1-dimethyl urea] were evaluated for weed control at recommended rates of 1.26, 1.50 and 0.97 a.i.

kg ha-1, respectively, in comparison with a 12.5 and 25% less rate after the addition of 0.2 % surfactant.

Application of herbicides with surfactant even at lower rates was as effective as recommended rates in controlling weeds and increasing grain yield.

Grain yield ranged from 20.8 to 45.3 % and 26.3 to 38.1 % more than the weedy check in 1992-93 and 1993-94, respectively, for various herbicide concentrations.

Thus for economical weed control, a lower rate of herbicide with the addition of surfactant should be recommended.