Chemical control, Clodinafop-propargyl, Conventional tillage, Estern India, Metsulfuron- methyl, Rice straw mulch, Zero tillage

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of straw mulch and herbicides on weed growth and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different tillage practices. Two tillage practices in main plot [zero tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT)], eight weed management practices in sub-plot [pendimethalin (PMT) at 0.75 kg/ha, clodinafop-propargyl + metsulfuron-methyl (CP + MSM) at 0.40 kg/ha, straw mulching (SM) at 4.0 t/ha, PMT at 0.75 kg/ha followed by (fb) CP + MSM at 0.40 kg/ha, PMT at 0.75 kg/ha fb SM 4 t/ha, SM 4 t/ha fb CP + MSM 0.40 kg/ha, three hand weeding and weedy check] were assigned in a split plot design replicated thrice. Zero tillage had lower density as well as biomass of Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., Gnaphalium indicum (L.), Polygonum plebeium R.Br., Spilanthes calva DC and total weed than CT. Pendimethalin fb CP + MSM recorded significantly lowest total weed density and biomass. Compared to pendimethalin fb CP + MSM, pendimethalin fb SM enhanced grain yield of wheat by 9.6, 5.5 and 7.5% in first year, second year and when pooled over the years, respectively. Zero tillage among tillage practices and PMT fb SM or PMT fb CP + MSM among weed management practices appeared to be effective for better weed management and higher productivity as well as profitability of wheat.