Effects of applying tank-mix herbicides sequentially and in combination on weed growth and maize (Zea mays) production

Abstract

Wider spacing gives weeds more room to develop and compete for nutrients, sunshine, and water in addition to impeding
effective weed control techniques. In India, maize (Zea mays L.) is mostly cultivated during the rainy (kharif) season, which
is impacted by heavy rain and elevated relative humidity. In India's rice-wheat cropping system, maize is essential because
it increases overall farm output, improves soil health (by continuously incorporating residues into the soil), and diversifies
crop cycles. More than 47% of India's maize crop is being used for chicken feed, with 14% going toward the manufacture
of starch. About 13% is set aside for both human consumption and animal feed, 7% for food processing, while the remaining
6% is either exported or used for other reasons (IIMR 2021). The weedy condition results in a 58.7% decrease in maize
grain output when compared to two hand weeding (20 and 40 DAS) (Triveni et al. 2017). Although manual weeding
efficiently suppresses weeds, it becomes unfeasible in situations with unpredictable rainfall and damp soil owing to its
greater cost and labour-intensive nature. Chemical treatment is an efficient way to manage weeds in these situations.