Effect of Herbicides on Chlorophyll, Nitrogen, Protein contents and grain yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Herbicidal control of weeds assumes greater significance being efficient and economical method. Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of herbicides (Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, Metribuzin and Metsulfuron-methyl) on weeds and grain yield of wheat during 2006-07. Weeds like Avena fatua, chenopodium album, Cynodon dactylon, Melilotus indica, and Phalaris minor dominated the field. Phalaris minor is the most troublesome weed affecting wheat production. Significantly higher chlorophyll, nitrogen, protein contents and grain yield of wheat were recorded in fenoxaprop-p-ethyl at 90g a.i./ha as compared to metsulfuron methyl and metribuzin treatments. Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl significantly reduced growth & development of Phalaris minor and increased grain yield of wheat. Application of metribuzin at 70g a.i./ha and metsulfuron methyl at 4.0g a.i./ha also increased chlorophyll, nitrogen, protein content and grain yield of wheat as compared to weedy (control). Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl showed the most potent direct effect and caused the maximum decreased in weed population and weed biomass accumulation but had an adverse effect on chlorophyll, nitrogen, protein contents, growth and yield of wheat. All the herbicide resulted in increased chlorophyll, nitrogen, protein contents, growth parameters and yield in whea