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Post-emergence Herbicide in Black Gram
Black gram, also known as urad bean, is an important pulse crop in India. It is grown for its edible seeds, which are highly nutritious and rich in protein. However, like all crops, black gram is also affected by weeds that compete with it for resources like water, nutrients, and sunlight. Weeds not only reduce the yield and quality of black gram but also increase the cost of cultivation. Hence, weed management is crucial for the success of black gram cultivation. One of the effective methods of weed control in black gram is the use of post-emergence herbicides.
Post-emergence herbicides are those herbicides that are applied to the weeds after they have emerged from the soil. These herbicides are effective against a broad spectrum of weeds and have the advantage of being selective, i.e., they target only weeds and not the crop plants. Moreover, post-emergence herbicides are easy to apply, requires less labor, and have a short residual effect, i.e., they do not persist in the soil for a long time.
In black gram, the post-emergence herbicides are applied when the weeds are 2-4 weeks old and the crop is at the 3-4 leaf stage. The ideal time for herbicide application is when the weed leaves are dry, and the atmospheric conditions are favorable. One of the commonly used post-emergence herbicides in black gram is Quizalofop ethyl.
Quizalofop ethyl is a systemic herbicide that is absorbed by the weeds through their leaves and is translocated to the growing points, leading to their death. It is effective against grassy weeds like Echinochloa colonum, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, and Cynodon dactylon, which are common in black gram fields. Moreover, Quizalofop ethyl has a short residual effect and does not affect the growth and yield of black gram.
However, the use of Quizalofop ethyl in black gram should be done with caution. It is recommended to use the herbicide at the recommended dose and apply it evenly on the weeds. Additionally, it is advised to avoid using the herbicide in drought or stressed conditions, which can affect the absorption and efficacy of the herbicide. Moreover, proper safety measures should be taken while handling and applying the herbicide, as it can be harmful if ingested, inhaled or comes in contact with skin.
In conclusion, post-emergence herbicides like Quizalofop ethyl can be highly effective in managing weeds in black gram. However, proper application and caution should be followed to ensure optimal results and safety.