Response of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and associated weeds to irrigation schedule and pendimethalin

An investigation was conducted during the winter season of 1997-98 and 1998 -99 at Morena, to study the effect of irrigation schedule and weed control with pendimethalin at variable doses on weed control and plant growth and y ield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.). An adverse effec t on the yield attributes and finally on yields was observed on delaying or withholding first irrigation. Higher values of yield attributes and yield of wheat were noted when first irrigation was applied at 20 or 25 days afte r sowing (DAS) compared with 30 days after sowing. All these parameters wer e higher under the application of pendimethalin granules as pre-emergence @ 2.0 kg/ha. Weed density was not influenced by the irrigation schedules, bu t weed biomass reduced under delayed irrigation at 30 DAS during 1998-99 on ly. Pendimethalin @ 2.0 kg/ha preemergence reduced the weed density and wee d biomass significantly.