Combined application of sorghum and mulberry water extracts is effective and economical way for weed management in wheat

Wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) is of prime importance being staple food of the masses of Pakistan. Weed infestation in wheat not only reduce the yield but also affects the efficiency of other production factors. Allelopathy is sustainable and ecofriendly method forthe management of weeds and diseases. A field trail was carried out to assess the allelopathic potential of mulberry and sorghum water extracts against invasive winter weeds like Phalaris minor. Retz, Chenopodium albumL., Avena fatua L. and Convolvulus arvensisL. in wheat at Agronomic Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. All the treatment application showed better weed management and enhanced finalyield of the crop. Application of sorghum water extract (SWE) at the rate of 18 L ha-1and mulberry water extract (MWE) at the rate of 18 L ha-1indicated better weed management (51-55%) and improved grain yield (28%) as compared to control. SWE at the rate of 27 L ha-1 and MWE at the rate of 9 L ha-1in combined application also showed better weed management and improved the grain yield while Atlatis (Standard herbicide) had 66-68% weed control and 32% increase in final yield but it was not found economical. Combined application of SWE at the rate of 18 L ha-1and MWE at the rate of 18 L ha-1was found best combination with maximum net return while hand weeding and herbicide application were extravagant because of high cost and low net return.