Effective Herbicides for Wheat Crops: How to Control Weeds and Improve Yield

wheat crops

Krishi Dunia

• 28 Jan, 2025 02:56 PM IST ,
• Updated Tue, 28 Jan 2025 07:35 PM

Weeds in wheat crops pose a significant challenge for farmers, not only hindering crop growth but also reducing yield. Common weeds in wheat fields include wild wheat, wild oats, speargrass, bathua, onion grass, and mohtha. It is essential to use the right herbicides and techniques to control these weeds. The Bihar Agricultural Department has provided special guidelines to help farmers address this issue. Let’s explore the effective herbicides for weed control and the correct application method.

Herbicides for Narrow-Leaved Weeds:

To control narrow-leaved weeds like wild wheat, wild oats, and speargrass, the following herbicides can be used:

1. Sulforalfuron 75% W.G.:
   • Mix 13.5 grams of the herbicide with 6 liters of water and 500 milliliters of surfactant.
   • Dilute this mixture in 120-200 liters of water and spray it per acre.
   • The ideal time for spraying is 30-35 days after sowing.
2. Clodinafop Propargyl 15% W.P.:
   • Mix 160 grams of the herbicide with the recommended amount of water and spray it per acre.

Herbicides for Broad-Leaved Weeds:

If the field has broad-leaved weeds like bathua, onion grass, krishnaneel, and threespot, use the following herbicides:

1. Metsulfuron Methyl 20% W.P.:
   • Mix 8 grams of the herbicide with 6 liters of water and 200 milliliters of surfactant.
   • Dilute it in 120-200 liters of water and spray per acre 25-35 days after sowing.
2. Sulfosulfuron Methyl 75% + Metsulfuron Methyl 5% W.G.:
   • Mix 16 grams of the herbicide with 500 milliliters of surfactant and spray it per acre in the recommended amount of water.
3. 2,4-D Ethyl Ester 38% E.C.:
   • Mix 0.5 liters of the herbicide with water per acre.
   • Spray it 30-35 days after sowing.

Precautions for Weed Control:

To ensure effective weed control, the following precautions should be taken during spraying:

1. Spray in Clear Weather: Avoid spraying during rain, fog, or windy conditions.
2. Use Correct Spraying Equipment: Utilize cutting nozzles, flood jet nozzles, or flat fan nozzles for uniform spraying.
3. Adopt Protective Measures:
   • Wear a face mask to protect your eyes, mouth, and nose during spraying.
   • Use gloves and shoes to protect your hands and feet.
4. Restrict Activity in the Field: Ensure no human or animal activity in the field on the day of spraying.
5. Be Mindful of Wind Direction: Avoid spraying against the wind.

Timely weed control in wheat crops is crucial to increase yield. By identifying narrow and broad-leaved weeds and using the recommended herbicides in the correct quantity, farmers can effectively control them. Additionally, following the proper precautions during spraying will ensure both safety and efficacy. By implementing these measures, farmers can enhance crop quality and improve overall production.