Post emergence herbicides are important tools for managing weeds in black gram crops. Black gram is a leguminous crop that is grown extensively in India. It is an important source of protein for the Indian population, as well as a major crop for export. However, black gram is a relatively small crop that can be easily shaded by weeds. This makes weed control essential for successful black gram production. Post emergence herbicides are used to control weeds that have already emerged in black gram fields.
The choice of post emergence herbicide depends on the type of weeds present in the field. There are different herbicides that target different weed species. Some of the commonly used herbicides for black gram include glyphosate, paraquat, 2,4-D, and butachlor. Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide that is effective against a wide range of weeds. Paraquat is a contact herbicide that kills weeds quickly upon application. 2,4-D is a systemic herbicide, which means it is translocated throughout the plant, killing the entire weed. Butachlor is a selective herbicide that is effective against grassy weeds.
When applying post emergence herbicides, it is important to follow the label instructions carefully. This includes the correct dosages, application timings, and safety precautions. It is also important to apply the herbicides at the right growth stage of the crop and weeds. For example, glyphosate is most effective when applied to weeds that are actively growing and have not yet started to flower.
Post emergence herbicides can be applied either as a blanket spray or as a spot treatment. A blanket spray covers the entire field, while a spot treatment is used for controlling weeds in specific areas of the field. Spot treatments can be more effective than blanket sprays because they target weeds directly and reduce the risk of herbicide drift.
In conclusion, post emergence herbicides are an important tool for weed control in black gram crops. They allow farmers to control weeds that have already emerged, reducing competition for the crop and improving yield. When using post emergence herbicides, it is important to choose the right herbicide for the target weed species, follow label instructions carefully, and apply at the right growth stage of the crop and weeds.