2025, Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part G
Economic viability of weed management practices in cauliflower production systems
Author(s): Aino Virtanen, Mikko Lahtinen and Kaisa Nieminen
Abstract: Weed management in cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) production remains a major challenge, as weeds compete for essential resources, leading to significant yield losses and increased production costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the economic viability and agronomic effectiveness of different weed management practices in cauliflower production, including integrated weed management (IWM), mechanical hand-weeding, mulching, and chemical herbicide application. The study was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) in Pilicode, Kerala, during the rabi season of 2023-2024. The experimental design was a randomized block design with six treatments: (1) control (no weed management), (2) mechanical hand-weeding, (3) rice straw mulch (7.5 t/ha), (4) black plastic mulch, (5) herbicide application (pendimethalin + fluchloralin + oxyfluorfen), and (6) IWM, combining mulching, herbicide application, and hand-weeding. Weed biomass, plant growth parameters (height, number of leaves, leaf area index), yield, and economic returns (benefit-cost ratio) were assessed. The results showed that IWM significantly outperformed other treatments, with the highest weed biomass reduction (98%), the highest yield (45.6 t/ha), and the best benefit-cost ratio (3.8). Black plastic mulch also performed well, reducing weed biomass by 95% and achieving a yield of 42.3 t/ha. Rice straw mulch, while less effective, still resulted in substantial weed suppression (50%) and a yield of 39.2 t/ha. The herbicide treatment alone yielded lower results, while hand-weeding was the least economically viable. The study concludes that IWM is the most effective and economically viable weed management strategy for cauliflower production, providing a sustainable approach that enhances both yield and profitability.
Pages: 648-652 | Views: 625 | Downloads: 99
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How to cite this article:
Aino Virtanen, Mikko Lahtinen, Kaisa Nieminen. Economic viability of weed management practices in cauliflower production systems. Asian J Manage Commerce 2025;6(1):648-652.
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