Theory
Introduction to weeds, characteristics of weeds, their harmful and beneficial effects on ecosystem. Classification, reproduction and dissemination of weeds, crop-weed completion, factors of competition, factors affecting growth and development. Studies on weed seed bank, weed shifts. Concepts of weed management: physical, cultural, chemical and biological; principles and methods, integrated weed management. Implements for weed control, robotic weed control, weed management in organic/ natural farming. Herbicide classification and properties of important herbicides, concept of adjuvants, surfactants, herbicide formulation and their use, Nano herbicides, precision weed management; Mode of action of herbicides and selectivity phenomenon. Concept of herbicide mixture and utility in agriculture, Herbicide compatibility with agro-chemicals and their application, Herbicide resistance and its management. Weed management in different field and horticultural crops; aquatic weed management, weed management in cropping systems.
Practical
Techniques of weed preservation, weed identification and losses caused by weeds. Biology of important weeds. Study weeds in different situations, Study of herbicide formulations and mixture of herbicide. Study methods of herbicide application, Herbicide application equipment- their parts, use, maintenance and calibration. Weed control implements, Calculation of herbicide doses and requirement, weed control efficiency and weed index, Phytotoxicity of herbicides, Weed management in fallow lands, Management of problem and parasitic weeds.