Adoption Index, Direct wet-seeded, Farmer Perception, Pretilachlor + florpyrauxifen-benzyl, Herbicide, Weed Flora, Weed management

Weed infestation is a major constraint in direct wet-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) (WSR), particularly during the early stage of rice growth. The present study was undertaken to understand the farmer perception and assess the on-farm efficacy of early post-emergence herbicide application (EPoE) of pretilachlor + florpyrauxifen-benzyl to manage early season weeds in direct wet-seeded rice. The study was conducted during the Kharif season of 2023 in farmers’ fields in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts, Kerala, India. A survey of 110 farmers and 60 dealers was carried out using a structured questionnaire to evaluate the awareness, adoption, satisfaction and market perception on weed management in WSR, by index-based analysis. The dominant weed flora in the study area was: grasses, Echinochloa colona (L.) Link and Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.; sedge, Cyperus difformis L., and broad-leaved weed, Monochoria vaginalis (Burm. f.) C. Presl.. The pretilachlor + florpyrauxifen-benzyl 620+20/ha (pre-mix) applied at 8–10 days after sowing (DAS), when weeds at the 2–3 leaf stage, was observed to provide effective early season control of dominant grass weeds and moderate control of sedges and broad-leaved weeds. Survey results indicated moderate awareness and adoption levels of improved weed management options among farmers, largely influenced by labour scarcity and the need for timely weed control in WSR. Dealer perception reflected increasing interest in pre-emergence weed management options, emphasizing the need for their field demonstrations and technical guidance. The study concludes that pretilachlor + florpyrauxifen-benzyl EPoE can play a significant role in managing early emerging weeds   in WSR and improved extension support is essential to enhance farmer adoption of improved weed management options under Kerala conditions.