Abstract:
A field experiment was conducted to assess the weed control efficiency of different mulching materials for okra
cultivation under drip irrigation. Two factors, two varieties of okra (TV„ and Haritha) and five different mulching
methods (Gliricidia leaves, chopped rice straw, mulch film, black polythene and no mulched as control) were tested
using a two factor factorial experiment in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Plant parameters
such as plant height, fruit length, fruit circumference, number of fruits per plant, weight of fruits per plant and total
yield; weed parameters such as number of weeds, types of weeds, fresh and dry weight of weeds; soil moisture
content and soil temperature were recorded. The analyses revealed that both factors, varieties and mulching have
significant effect on growth and yield parameters but there is no significant interaction between variety and mulch
treatments (P>0.05). Mulching has shown significant effectiveness in weed control, ameliorating the soil temperature
and soil moisture conservation. All mulch treatments except black polythene improved crop growth and yield (13.62
tons/ha). Sedges, especially, Cyperus rotandus is the dominant weed emerged in highest than broad leaves and
grasses. The significantly higher plants height (129.20 cm) and yield (14.03 tons/ha) was recorded for variety Haritha
than variety TVa. This study revealed that organic mulches was economically feasible compared to mulching using
plastic or cultivating without mulch. Cultivation of Haritha variety under Gliricidia leaves mulch (14.88 tons/ha)
recorded the best results compared to other treatment combinations.
