Direct-seeded rice, weed competition

A field experiment was conducted for direct- seeded rice under puddled irrigated condition in samba season (September, 2014 to January, 2015) at Karaikal, Puducherry Union Territory to study the influence of two direct seeding methods (wet and dry sowing) and four periods of weed competition (weedy condition for early 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of crop growth) in split plot design. Weed density and dry weight was not significantly influenced either by sowing with wet or dry seeds but significantly influenced by weed competition. Maximum grain yield, lower weed density and dry weight were recorded with the plots maintained weed free throughout the crop period except the initial 15 days after sowing (DAS).