Net returns, Nodulation, Paraquat, Pendimethalin, Pigeonpea, Post-emergence

A field experiment was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to study the effect of integrated use of pre-emergence herbicide pendimethalin and post-emergence herbicide paraquat on weeds, growth and yield of pigeonpea. Paraquat should be applied between pigeonpea rows as directed spray on weeds only using a plastic hood to avoid any herbicide drift on the crop plants. Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.45 kg/ha followed by paraquat 0.48 kg/ha at 6-8 weeks after sowing effectively controlled the weeds, improved the grain yield of pigeonpea and also provided the high returns. Herbicides did not advesely affect  nodule number and nodule dry weight, indicating their safe use under field conditions.