Integrated Weed Management in Mustard

Indian mustard is a cool season crop and is cultivated in the tropical as well as in the temperate zones. Weed problem is a major barrier which is responsible for low productivity of mustard. A limited number of herbicides have been tested against the weeds in mustard. During recent period a number of broad spectrum herbicides have been launched which are capable of reducing competition for a longer period of time. The efficacy and selectivity of these herbicides are yet to be explored in mustard. On the other hand soil solarization in combination with herbicides application is very effective for controlling weed infestation. Soil solarization is a non-chemical, hydrothermal method of soil disinfection in which soil captures radiant energy of sunlight under transparent and black polythene to create unfavorable conditions for weeds.