IDENTIFICATION OF PRE AND POST EMERGENT SELECTIVE WEEDICIDE FOR EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF WEEDS IN FENUGREEK

Background: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a valuable forage legume known for its nutritional and medicinal uses, particularly in semi-arid regions. However, its productivity is often compromised by weed competition due to limited availability of selective herbicides. Effective weed control is crucial to optimize yield without compromising plant health. This study aimed to assess the comparative efficacy and phytotoxic effects of selected pre- and post-emergent herbicides on fenugreek growth, yield, and weed suppression under changing climatic conditions. Objective: To evaluate the effect of selective herbicides and weed infestation on the growth, development, and forage yield of fenugreek. Methods: The experiment was conducted during 2022–2023 at the Vegetable Research Institute, Faisalabad, using a randomized complete block design with six treatments replicated thrice. Treatments included two pre-emergent herbicides (Pendimethelene at 1000 mL/acre, Dual Gold at 800 mL/acre), two post-emergent herbicides (Cardinal at 2 g/acre, Quazilofop at 400 mL/acre), a weed-free control, and an untreated control. Data on plant height, leaf yield, and weed infestation were recorded. Environmental data were monitored to assess climatic influence. Results: Days to first (78 days) and second cutting (32 days after) remained constant. Controlled plots recorded maximum plant height (90.2 cm) and leaf yield (29.69 T/Ha) with 100% weed control. Uncontrolled plots had 90% infestation, lowest height (40.1 cm), and yield (3.89 T/Ha). Cardinal achieved 70% weed control with 75.1 cm height and 26.6 T/Ha yield. Pendimethelene and Dual Gold achieved 80% and 90% weed control but showed stunted growth (65.2 cm, 23.75 T/Ha and 55.1 cm, 19.9 T/Ha respectively). Quazilofop caused leaf burning, resulting in the lowest herbicide-treated yield (18.09 T/Ha). Conclusion: Cardinal offered the best balance between weed control and crop safety. Manual weeding remained the most effective. Integrated weed management is recommended to enhance productivity while minimizing herbicide-induced stress.