EVALUATION OF HERBICIDES FOR CONTROL OF WEEDS IN CHILIC (CAPSICUM-ANNUUM)

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy season of 1991 and 1 992 to evaluate 4 herbicides for the control of weeds in chilli (Capsi cum annuum L.). All weed-control treatments reduced density and dry ma tter of weeds infesting chilli field except metolachlor @ 0.5-1.0 kg/h a, which was found ineffective on broad-leafweeds. Out of the 4 herbic ides, pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ha was found most effective (87.3%) on gr assy weeds, followed by metolachlor @ 1.0 kg/ha (80.0%) and oxyfluorfe n @ 0.3 kg/ha (73.4%). However, best control of the broad-leaf weeds w as achieved by oxyfluorfen @ 0.3 kg/ha (92.0%), followed by its lower dosages (0.1-0.2 kg/ha) and pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ha (74.4%). Oxyfluo rfen @ 0.3 kg/ha showed improvement in crop growth and fruits/plant, g iving the maximum dry-chilli yield (2 210 kg/ha) compared with the oth er weed-control treatments.