INTEGRATION OF WEED CONTROL METHODS WITH SEED RATES FOR IMPROVING WHEAT YIELD

Efficient weed control is a key factor in maintaining long-term sustainability in crop production and keeping agro-ecosystem free of contaminants. To minimize weed losses and cost of production use of mulch is one of the best options. To evaluate the efficacy of different mulching materials under various seed rates of wheat, an experiment was conducted during 2011-12 at New Developmental Farm of the University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan. The treatments consisted of three seed rates (80, 100 and 120 kg ha^-1) and four weeds control treatments (control, Plastic mulch, Newspaper mulch and wheat straw). Weeds control methods and seed rates significantly affected wheat grain yield, biological yield, weeds density and weeds fresh and dry biomass. The results of the experiment revealed that seed rate of 100 kg ha^-1 performed better in term of grain yield while biological yield was higher in plots where 120 kg ha^-1 seed rate was used. Regarding mulching materials, plastic mulch was found superior over all other mulching materials and had produced higher grain and biological yield. Lower weed density at 40, 80 and 120 DAS and lower weeds fresh and dry biomass was also recorded in plastic mulch. Overall, this field trial demonstrated the potential of mulching materials for induction of short-term benefits in wheat production. From a management perspective, we also highlighted potential conflicts in plastic mulching and its use which may limit its adoption by large and small scale farmers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.