In central India, most of the arable and disturbed non-arable lands are vulnerable to invasions of field sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus L.) during winter and summer. Its infestation has threatened the resident biodiversity and has also posed the possibility of spread to adjoining areas. The present study was conducted to know the biology of S. oleraceus, its impact and suggest suitable management strategies to restrict its further spread. In wheat, pendimethalin fb metsulfuron-methyl (678 fb 4 g/ha) recorded the lowest density and biomass of S. oleraceus (2 no./m2 and 0.5 g/m2, respectively) with 92.3% weed control efficiency (WCE) followed by clodinafop + metsulfuron (60+4 g/ha), which were statistically comparable. Similarly, in chickpea, pendimethalin + imazethapyr (900+60 g/ha) recorded the lowest density and biomass of S. oleraceus (3 no./m2 and 1.1 g/m2, respectively) with 86.9% WCE, where density was comparable to propaquizafop + imazethapyr (50+75 g/ha). The lower density of S. arvesnsis recorded with higher grain yield of wheat (5.10 t/ha) and seed yield of chickpea (2.25 t/ha). The highest density and least yield recorded in control plots.

Biology, Chickpea, Emergence, Impact and management, Sonchus arvesnsis, Wheat