Growth parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.) and weed control efficiency of post-emergence herbicides as influenced by quality of spray fluid

The effect of post-emergence herbicides + adjuvants and quality of spray fluid combinations on growth parameters of maize (Zea mays L.) and weed control efficiency (WCE) was studied in an field experiment conducted during rabi 2020-21 at College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad. The results revealed that there is a negative influence on weed control efficiency and growth parameters of maize when saline waters (C3S1 and C3S2) were used as spray fluid in combination with herbicides + adjuvant (ammonium sulphate). Among chemical treatments, halosulfuron methyl @ 67.5 g ha-1 + atrazine @ 0.5 kg ha-1 with AMS @ 2% with distilled water as spray fluid followed by halosulfuron methyl @ 67.5 g ha-1 + atrazine @ 0.5 kg ha-1 alone with distilled water recorded higher growth parameters and WCE. Whereas, the lowest WCE and growth parameters were recorded with 2,4-D-Dimethyl amine @ 0.5 kg ha-1 alone with C3S2 water as spray fluid. Significantly higher WCE (%) and growth parameters were recorded in HW at 20 and 40 DAS. Distilled water as spray fluid with all the herbicide combinations recorded higher WCE and growth parameters in maize as compared to class C3S1 and C3S2 water as spray fluids.