EFFECT OF WEED COMPETITION PERIODS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF BLACK SEED (Nigella sativa L.)

Abstract

An investigation to determine the effect of weed competition periods on the growth and yield of black seed (kalwanji) was carried out at the Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during 2006-07 growing season. The treatments comprised of seven weed competition periods (no competition, competition for 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 days after emergence and competition throughout the growing season). The experiment was laid out in RCBD (randomized complete block design) with four replications. The net plot size was 1.2 x 5m 2 . The dominant weeds in the experimental area were Phalaris minor, Chenopodium album and Convolvulus arvensis. Data on desired parameters were recorded by using standard procedures. The results showed that the weed control practices increased the seed yield per hectare over weedy check by 69.41% by affecting different growth and yield components like number of plants, number of branches, number of capsules, number of seeds per capsule, 1000-seed weight and total biomass significantly by weed competition periods. All the components were decreased progressively by increasing weed competition periods in black seed.