Studies on the competitive ability of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties with little canary grass (Phalaris minor Retz.)

Abstract

Field trials were conducted at the experimental area of the Department of Agronomy, Agrometeorology and Forestry from 2001-02 to 2003-04. The percent reduction in grain yield of individual wheat variety due to the infestation of Phalaris minor Retz. over weed free was lowest in PBW 373 and PBW 343 i.e., 7.5 and 7.8 percent, respectively. Highest photosynthetically active radiation interception i.e., 97.7 and 97.6% and number of effective tillers per meter row length i.e., 79.2 and 80.6 were recorded in PBW 373 and PBW 343 respectively, when grown without P. minor. These varieties were followed by Raj 3765, WH 283, HD 2687 and Sonak. Reduction in grain yield in these varieties was 9.5, 11.4, 11.5 and 12.%, respectively. On the other hand, WH 157, WH 896, WL 711 and WH 912 were found to be poor competitors due to reduced tillering capacity and reduced light interception.