WEED MANAGEMENT THROUGH ALLELOPATHIC INTERACTION OF BANGLADESHI MUSTARD VARIETIES

Abstract

The effect of weed management through allelopathic interaction of Bangladeshi mustard varieties was studied through experiments conducted in the agronomy field and laboratory of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, in the Rabi season from October 2019 to February 2020. The experimental design in the laboratory bioassay was a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The field experiment consisted of two factors which were factor A: mustard varieties (5) viz, Rai-5, BARI Sarisha-7, BARI Sarisha-8, BARI Sarisha-15, BARI Sarisha-18 (canola), and factor B: Weed management (3) viz, no weeding, one hand weeding at 15 DAS, and two hand weeding at 15 and 30 DAS. The field experiment was conducted utilizing a split-plot design with three replications, recording data on various parameters to evaluate its outcomes. The lab experiment revealed that among different mustard varieties, Rai-5, BARI Sarisha-7, BARI Sarisha-8, and BARI Sarisha-18 varieties performed well and showed potential allelopathic effects for reducing germination percentage and seedling growth of model plants (Lactuca sativa and Raphanus sativus) and weed (Echinochloa colona). Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus rotundus, and E. colona weed species were dominant in the mustard field. However, among different mustard varieties, BARI Sarisha-18 (canola) with 2 weeding recorded the maximum number of seeds siliqua⁻¹ (26), and seed yield (1.85 t ha⁻¹). This suggests that varieties with both high allelopathic interaction and great competitive ability would be most useful to help farmers maximize yield and control weeds.