Evaluating The Allelopathic Effects Of Sorghum Aqueous Extract Tank-Mixed With Herbicide For Weed Management In Soybean

Weeds are one of the major biotic constraints in crop production system. As an alternative approach, allelopathy can be used to develop eco-friendly weed control strategy for sustainable agriculture. The present study was planned, therefore, with the main objective to evaluate the effects of plant aqueous extract (PAE) of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) 1% and 2% especially on Avenafatua L. and Phalaris minor Retz. The experiment was conducted for consecutive two years (2017 & 2018) at Farm research area of "The Islamia University of Bahawalpur", Pakistan. Plant aqueous extract @ 18 L ha(-1) alone and in combination with reduced dose @ 75% and 50% of Pendimethalin, Metolachlor and Acetochlor and also recommended dose of all the mentioned herbicides were sprayed for weed control. A weedy check control treatment was also maintained with no application of plant aqueous extract and herbicide. Lower doses @ 75% and 50% of Pendimethalin in combination with plant aqueous extract gave statistically the same level of weed reduction and crop improvement as produced by label doses of Pendimethalin. Based upon this study, it is hereby concluded that the allelopathic plant aqueous extract of Sorghum bicolor L., in combination with 50% of the recommended dose of Pendimethalin, may act as potential and environment friendly herbicide to control weeds in soybean crop.