Harnessing Integrated Weed Management for Sustainable Okra Cultivation: Synergizing Herbicides, Mechanical Weeding, and Mulching

Abstract

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), a vital vegetable in tropical and subtropical regions, faces intense weed competition due to its sluggish early development and open canopy, particularly during the rainy season. This study evaluates the effectiveness of integrated weed management (IWM) strategies in kharif okra, focusing on chemical, mechanical, and physical control methods. The experiment compared various treatments, including the use of herbicides (oxyfluorfen and propaquizafop), intercultivation, and black polythene mulch. Results demonstrated that combining oxyfluorfen and propaquizafop with intercultivation provided effective early-stage weed control. Meanwhile, mechanical weeding combined with hand weeding at critical stages reduced weed infestation and biomass significantly. Notably, black polythene mulch consistently achieved the highest weed control efficiency (WCE) throughout the crop cycle by acting as a physical barrier, suppressing light, and moderating soil temperature and moisture. One challenge faced in the study was the management of weed flushes at different crop stages, especially in high rainfall conditions that favored rapid weed proliferation. Additionally, the risk of phytotoxicity from certain herbicides necessitated precise application and timing. Despite these constraints, the study contributes valuable insights into practical, sustainable, and resource efficient weed control strategies for okra cultivation under monsoonal agroecosystems. This research confirms that a multi-strategy weed management approach especially the integration of plastic mulching with manual weeding offers a reliable and environmentally friendly method to optimize okra productivity in resource-constrained farming systems. The findings endorse IWM as a cornerstone for enhancing crop yield and sustainability in vegetable production.

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