AGR 306: Weed Science
Credit Hours: 2 (1+1)
Full Marks: 50 (Theory: 25, Practical: 25)
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the principles and practices of weed management.
- Gain skills in identifying, controlling, and managing weeds in field crops.
- Learn about herbicides, weed ecology, and integrated weed management.
I. Syllabus Overview
Topics include:
- Definition, characteristics, classification, and dispersal of weeds
- Losses caused and economic importance of weeds
- Crop-weed competition and allelopathy
- Methods of weed control: physical, cultural, biological, chemical, biotechnological
- Herbicides: classification, mode of action, environmental effects
- Weed ecology
II. Course Outline
A. Lecture Topics (15 Lectures)
| S.N. | Topic | No. of Lectures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weed: concept, definition, economic importance | 2 |
| 2 | Characteristics of weeds: dormancy, viability, germination, growth habit, reproduction, persistence, tolerance/resistance | 1 |
| 3 | Crop-weed competition: interference, nutrients, water, light, space, allelopathy | 1 |
| 4 | Concept and methods of weed control | 6 |
| 4.1 | Concept of prevention, eradication, control, and management | 1 |
| 4.2 | Physical and cultural methods | 1 |
| 4.3 | Biological methods | 1 |
| 4.4 | Chemical methods | 1 |
| 4.5 | Biotechnological approaches | 1 |
| 4.6 | Integrated Weed Management: concept and practices | 1 |
| 5 | Herbicides | 4 |
| 5.1 | Definition, characteristics, usefulness, limitations | 1 |
| 5.2 | Classification (time, selectivity, site) | 1 |
| 5.3 | Mode of action | 1 |
| 5.4 | Herbicides and environment | 1 |
| 6 | Weed ecology | 1 |
| Total | 15 |
B. Practical Topics (15 Sessions)
| S.N. | Practical Activities | No. of Practicals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Identification of weeds | 1 |
| 2 | Survey of weeds in crop fields and habitats | 2 |
| 3 | Critical period of crop-weed competition | 1 |
| 4 | Herbarium preparation of weeds | 1 |
| 5 | Estimation of weed density, weed control efficiency, weed index | 1 |
| 6 | Weed control of field crops | 2 |
| 7 | Study of commonly available herbicides, nomenclature, label info | 1 |
| 8 | Calculation of herbicide requirements for different formulations | 2 |
| 9 | Study of herbicide application equipment and calibration | 1 |
| 10 | Herbicide application methods and precautions | 1 |
| 11 | Field study and control of problematic weeds (sedges, Bermuda grass, parasitic weeds) | 1 |
| 12 | Economics of weed control practices | 1 |
| Total | 15 |
References
- Crafts, A.S. & Robbins, W.W. (1973). Weed Control. Tata McGraw-Hill, New Delhi.
- Gupta, O.P. (1999). Scientific Weed Management. Agro Botanica, Bikaner, India.
- Gupta, O.P. (2004). Modern Weed Management. Agro Bios, Jodhpur, India.
- Lantican, R.M. (2001). The Science and Practices of Crop Production. SEAMEO SEARCA, UPLB, Philippines.
- Rao, V.S. (1998). Principle of Weed Science. Oxford and IBH Publishing, New Delhi.
- Reddy, S.R. (2007). Principles of Agronomy. Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiana.
- Reddy, T.Y. & Reddi, G.H.S. (1997). Principles of Agronomy. Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiana.
- Singh, C. (1997). Modern Techniques of Raising Field Crops. Oxford and IBH, New Delhi.
- Subramanian, S., Mohammed Ali, A., & Jayakumar, R. (1991). All about Weed Control. Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiana.
- Thakur, C. (1977). Weed Science. Metropolitan Book Co., New Delhi.
