Utilization of Bidens pilosa var. radiata (Sch. Bip.) Sherff integrated with water irrigation for paddy weed control and rice yield production

Abstract

The application of allelopathic plant materials combined with an agricultural production method is a concept that can be used to manage weeds during rice production. This research investigated the effects of the utilization of Bidens pilosa var. radiata integrated with water irrigation for weed control and rice production. B. pilosa and water extract exerted more toxic-ity against Echinochloa crus-galli than the extracted residue applied at the same rates, suggesting that weed control was caused by compounds extracted from B. pilosa . The changes in water properties after the application of B. pilosa were explored. Dissolved oxygen was rapidly reduced after application and then slowly increased within 3 – 5 days after application (DAA), while the pH also decreased at the early stage and then increased back to normal values within 1 – 3 DAA. Electrical conductivity increased with increasing rates of application, suggesting that allelochemicals were released from B. pilosa . The concept was studied under fi eld conditions. B. pilosa was applied along with irrigation at 7 days after sowing (DAS) on a direct wet seed system. The results showed that application rates of 2, 4 and 6 tons ha − 1 decreased the number of weeds by 52.16, 86.73 and 95.18% at 30 DAA and reduced dried weight of weeds by 17.65, 34.69 and 86.82%, respectively. The rice yield showed an increase of 72.73, 81.03 and 73.66% when compared with the nonweeded crop, while herbicide treatment increased by 84.68%. The fi ndings demonstrate that the application of B. pilosa integrated with water irrigation was able to control weeds in a direct seeded rice production system.