K. Kiran Kumar Reddy, S. Lokesh Babu, D. Vijay Kumar Naik, Hari Sadu, G.L. Siva Jyothi and R. Sujatha
Abstract
Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) is a vital pulse crop in India, playing a crucial role in ensuring food and nutritional security, particularly in vegetarian diets. However, its productivity is often constrained by earlyseason weed competition, particularly under rainfed conditions. To address this issue, a series of Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) were conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nellore, during the rabi seasons of 202223 and 2023-24 in SPSR Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh. The demonstrations evaluated pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 38.7% CS @ 1750 ml/ha followed by a post-emergence application of sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop-p-propargyl 8% EC @ 1000 ml/ha, compared with the farmerâs practice of imazethapyr 10% SL @ 625 ml/ha applied as post-emergence. The results revealed that the demonstrated practice significantly reduced weed density, enhanced plant growth and increased seed yield by 21.56% over the farmerâs practice. The average seed yield under FLD was 823 kg/ha compared to 677 kg/ha in the farmerâs practice. Despite a slightly higher cost of cultivation, the frontline demonstration recorded greater gross and net returns (Rs.61,047/ha and Rs.25,153/ha, respectively) and a higher benefit-cost ratio (1.70). The technology gap, extension gap and technology index were 1302 kg/ha, 146 kg/ha and 61.27%, respectively.