Management and utilization of chocolate weed(Melochia corchorifolia L.) in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

Field experiment entitled “Management and utilization of chocolate weed (Melochia corchorifolia) in sesame” was undertaken at College of Agriculture, Vellyani during 2019- 2022. The objectives of the experiment were to study the ecology and distribution of M. corchorifolia in Onattukara Sandy Plains (AEU3); to develop an integrated management strategy for the control of M. corchorifolia in sesame; to investigate the allelopathic potential of sesame on M. corchorifolia; to assess the allelopathic effect of M. corchorifolia on Cyperus difformis; to examine the insecticidal property of M. corchorifolia against storage pests viz., Sitophilus oryzae L. and Callosobruchus maculatus F. M. corchorifolia infestation was very severe in Karthikapally taluk. The phenological traits of M. corchorifolia did not vary among the taluks. Seed burial depth of 2 cm was optimal for seedling emergence and had a positive correlation with seedling growth and vigour indices of the weed. Whole plant leachate and blended extract of sesame had stimulatory effect on the germination and growth attributes of M. corchorifolia seedlings. Direct spray of whole plant leachate of M. corchorifolia (15%) recorded significantly higher mortality rates of rice weevil and pulse beetle revealing its insecticidal potential against S. oryzae and C. maculatus. Stale seedbed + PE pendimethalin 500 g ha-1 fb post direct application of carfentrazone ethyl 20 g ha-1 using crop protective applicator at 20 DAS supplemented with WHW at 45 DAS could be adjudged as the best practice for the management of M. corchorifolia in line sown sesame in Onattukara Sandy Plains (AEU 3)