<div>Background: Direct seeded rice is very much prone for weed infestation in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The aim of this trial is to find out appropriate option for improving rice 
growth and yields besides increasing nutrient uptake. 
 
Methods: A field investigation was conducted during the Kharif season of 2014 and 2015 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Rice variety MTU-7029 was sown with Sesbania and sunhemp cover crop bispyribac Na 25 g ha-1 + azimsulfuron 30 g ha-1 at 15 DAS and 2, 4 -D 0.5 kg ha-1 at 30 DAS were applied to find out best weed control practice for enhancing growth, yields and nutrient uptake in direct seeded rice. 
 
Result: Sesbania cover crop fb bispyribac 25 g ha-1 + azimsulfuron 30 g ha-1 at 15 DAS markedly improved plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, chlorophyll content. Consequently, Sesbania cover crop fb bispyribac 25 g ha-1 + azimsulfuron 30 g ha-1 at 15 DAS influenced statistically grain and straw yields. Sesbania cover crop fb bispyribac 25 g ha-1 + azimsulfuron 30 g ha-1 at 15 DAS recorded significantly lower nutrients (NPK and Zn) depletion by weeds and higher nutrients (NPK and Zn) uptake as compared to hand weeding at 15 and 35 DAS in rice.</div>

Impact of Mulch, Cover Crop and Herbicides on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

<div style="text-align: justify;">A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2011-2012 at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, India to evaluate three promising new generation herbicides for managing water cabbage. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with eight treatments replicated thrice. The treatments comprised of Azimsulfuron @ 20 and 30 g/ha, bispyribac-sodium @ 20 and 30 g/ ha, (metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron-ethyl) @ 4 and 6 g/ha, 2-4 &ndash;D @ 1 kg/ha and a weedy check. The results of the field study on weed control efficiency of the different herbicides indicated that 2, 4-D @1 kg a.i. ha-1 was most effective for controlling water cabbage. Among the new generation herbicides (metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl) @ 6 g a.i. ha-1 and bispyribac sodium @ 30 g a.i. ha-1 were equally effective for controlling water cabbage. &nbsp;Azimsulfuron at both doses were found to be least effective in controlling water cabbage.&nbsp;</div>

Impact of Mulch, Cover Crop and Herbicides on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Management of water cabbage [Limnocharis flava (L.)] Buchenau) using new generation herbicides