Evaluation of Aclonifen 600SC a broad-spectrum herbicide molecule to control canary grass (Phalaris minor (Retz.) Pers.) in wheat crop

A field experiment was undertaken during the rabi season of 2019-20 at the agricultural research farm, BHU, Varanasi with an aim to determine the appropriate time and amount of a new broad-spectrum herbicide molecule aclonifen 600SC for effective control of Phalaris minor in wheat. The experiment was set up in a randomized block design (RBD) with ten treatments replicated thrice. Among different chemical options tested, aclonifen 600 SC @ 2.4 kg a.i./ha application both as pre and early post-emergence (PE-W4 and EPOE-W8) resulted in lower density and dry matter accumulation by Phalaris minor and resulted in enhanced control efficiency. Next to it, the application of aclonifen 600 SC as PE (W3) and EPOE (W7) at rates of 1.2 kg a.i./ha recorded better results without affecting crop growth and grain yields of wheat, and these treatments were superior to leftover three doses of aclonifen 600 SC applied both as PE and EPOE. From these results, it is clear that aclonifen @ 1.2 a.i./ha applied as pre and early post-emergence (up to 15 DAS-days after sowing) effectively controls Phalaris minor (Retz.) Pers. in wheat, which resulted in enhanced productivity and profitability.