Evaluation of herbicides for weed control in sugarcane

A field experiment was conducted during spring seasons of 2000-01 and 2001-2002 to evaluate the usefulness of herbicides for weed control in sugarcane. Significant reduction in weed density and weed dry matter at 120 days after planting was obtained with pre-emergence application of metribuzin 1.5 kg ha-1 supplemented with post emergence application of 2,4-D Na salt 1 kg ha-1. Highest cane and CCS yields were also obtained with aforesaid treatment and they were 36.32 and 50.10% higher than weedy check, respectively. The net return and benefit : cost ratio were also highest in the treatment, application of metribuzin (pre) supplemented with 2,4-D Na salt (post). In order of economics, pre-emergence application of metribuzin ranked second.