Weeds cause significant reduction in palatability and nutritive value of fodders. Evaluation of critical weed control period is important to insure high yield and quality of fodders. A field study was conducted to determine the effects of weed competition on fodder maize sown at different seed rates. Two factors i.e. seed rate (100 kg ha-1and 125 kg ha-1) and weeds competition period (zero competition, competition for 2 weeks after emergence (WAE), competition for 3 WAE, competition for 4 WAE, competition for 5 WAE and competition for full season) were considered. The maximum number of weeds (201.81 plants m-2) was recorded when maize fodder was sown at seed rate of 100 kg ha-1 and weed competition with maize was until5 WAE. However, more weed-dry weight was recorded when maize fodder was sown using seed rate 100 kg ha-1 and full season weed competition was allowed. The more leaves per plant (16.18), green fodder yield (74.72 t ha-1), dry matter yield (16.62 t ha-1), crude protein (8.38%) were recorded when maize fodder was kept weed free throughout the growing season, while maximum crude fiber (35.96 %) was recorded when weeds were allowed to compete with maize fodder throughout the growing season.As far as seed rate was concerned, maximum leaves per plant (14.18), green fodder yield (57.77 t ha-1), dry matter yield (12.96 t ha-1) and crude fiber (35.06 %)were recorded when maize fodder was sown using seed rate 125 kg ha-1. In conclusion, weeds must be controlled till four weeks of crop emergence for better maize fodder production with seed rate of 125 kg ha-1.
