Vol. 10, Issue 10 (2021)

Author(s):
M Nandhini, H Usha Nandhini Devi, L Pugalendhi and P Murali Arthanari

Abstract:
A field experiment was conducted to assess the interference and suppression of sweet potato genotypes on the weed population in the coconut ecosystem as a cover crop in the basin of the tree. The study was conducted in the College Orchard, Coconut Farm, Department of Spices and Plantation Crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during the period 2020-2021 in Randomized block design with seven treatments (60 DAP (CO 5); 90 DAP (CO 5); 120 DAP (CO 5); 60 DAP (IB 74); 90 DAP (IB 74); 120 DAP (IB 74); Control) replicated thrice. Two sweet potato genotypes CO 5 and IB 74 were used in the experiment. Observations on weed flora identification, weed count (number/m²), weed dry weight (g/m²) and weed control efficiency (%) in coconut ecosystem were recorded. It was observed that broad leaved weeds were found more than the grasses and sedges in coconut ecosystem. The lowest weed density (4.02 no/m²), weed dry weight (3.11 g/m²) and the highest weed control efficiency (44.47%) were recorded in the CO 5 at 120 days after planting.