Horse Purslane (Trianthema portulacastrum L.) Interference on Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

Abstract

A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of horse purslane on mungbean productivity at the research farm of MNS-University of Agriculture Multan during Kharif season of 2018. For this purpose, 10 experimental treatments including T₁ (weed free for the whole season), T₂ (horse purslane free for 20 days after emergence, DAE), T₃ (horse purslane free for 40 DAE),  T₄ (horse purslane free for 60 DAE), T₅ (all weeds free for 20 DAE), T₆ (all weeds free for 40 DAE), T₇ (all weeds free for 60 DAE), T₈ (weedy check with all weeds), T₉ (weedy check except horse purslane) and T₁₀ (weedy check containing only horse purslane) were used. The experiment was carried out under RCBD (Randomized complete block design) and replicated thrice. Data was recorded for different growth and yield related traits of mungbean by using standard procedures. Data recorded were statistically analyzed and treatment means were compared by using Tuckey’s test @ 5% probability level. Results showed that maximum number of grains per pod (10.66), number of pods plant^-1 (28.00), 1000 grain weight (68.40 g), grain yield (1.9 t ha^-1) were noticed in the plots which were kept weed free. Hence it may be concluded that for maximum yield, farmers should control horse purslane at early stage of the crop.