GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSE OF AUTUMN PLANTED HYBRID MAIZE TO HORSE PURSLANE (Trianthema portulacastrum) INTERFERENCE

Abstract

The assumed comparative losses of horse purslane’s (vern. It sit) losses relative to other weeds are higher. The study was conducted during summer season 2018 at Research Farm Muhammad Nawa Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan on a field having high infestation history of horse purslane. Study was carried out in a RCBD with three replications. Experiment consisted of ten treatments viz: weeds free (whole season), horse purslane free till 20 Days after emergence (DAE), horse purslane free till 40 DAE, horse purslane free till 60 DAE, all weeds free 20 DAE, all weeds free 40 DAE, all weeds free 60 DAE, weedy check (all weeds), weedy check except horse purslane and weedy check containing only horse purslane. The data showed the maximum yield and yield related parameters like plant height (178.49 cm), cob weight (27.88 g), cob length (28.72 cm), stover yield (10.20 t ha^-1), kernel yield (6.86 t ha^-1) and growth parameters like crop growth rate, leaf area index, leaf area duration and net assimilation rate in weeds free (whole season). In treatment (horse purslane free 40 DAE) kernel yield was higher as compared to treatments such as horse purslane free 20 DAE and 40 DAE. As the interference duration increased over 45 days after emergence, significant reduction in yield and growth of maize was observed. It can be concluded that farmers should control horse purslane within first 45 days in maize field.