Vol. 12, Issue 9 (2023)

Author(s):
S Gokul, R Durai Singh, T Ragavan, B Bhakiyathu Saliha, V Alex Albert and B Sivasankari

Abstract:
The experimental study was conducted during the summer 2023 at a farmer’s field in Appanthirupathi village of Madurai East block, Madurai to evolve a suitable herbicide sequence for DSR crop using UAVs with 16 treatments and three replications using strip plot design. The treatment involving M3-Penoxsulam 97% + Butachlor 38.83% (2 L ha^-1) combined with S3-Triafomone 20% + Ethoxysulfuron 10% WG (225 g ha^-1) was administered using a drone at a spray height of 1.5-2.0 meters, moving at a speed of 4.5 meters per second, with an effective spray width of 3.5 meters over the crop canopy. This approach effectively reduced weed density and weed biomass while achieving higher weed control efficiency. The combination successfully managed various types of weeds including grasses like Echinochloa crusgalli and Echinochloa colona, sedges such as Cyperus rotundus and Cyperus difformis, as well as broadleaf weeds like Bergia capensis, Ammannia baccifera, and Ludwigia parviflora. Throughout the study, separate plots were maintained for comparison, including a weedy check and a weed-free check.