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Plant Science Today (PST)

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Early Access

Evaluating the effect of controlled-release atrazine formulations on weed suppression, crop growth and yield in Maize (Zea Mays L.)

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.7542
Submitted
31 January 2025
Published
30-04-2025
Versions

Abstract

Weed infestations significantly threaten agricultural productivity, particularly in maize cultivation. To enhance weed control efficiency through a sustainable approach, it was aimed to design a moisture-triggered herbicide release system using biodegradable polymers. Atrazine was used as a model herbicide in the protocol developed. The pot culture and field experiments were conducted, including nine treatments with three replications in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and Randomized Block Design (RBD) respectively. The treatments comprised three atrazine-loaded hydrogel formulations (A, B and C) at rates of 1.5 and 1.2 kg a.i. ha-1 (active ingredient per hectare), a commercial atrazine formulation, a weed-free check and an absolute control. The pot and field validation results revealed that atrazine formulations (C) at both rates exhibited higher weed control efficiency due to increased active ingredient concentration. The higher values of all growth and yield parameters were reported with application of formulation (C) @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1. The higher grain and stover yields of 6444 and 14397 kg ha-1, was reported with the application of formulation mix (C) @ 1.5 kg a.i. ha-1 among the herbicidal treatments. In contrast, the application of commercial atrazine resulted in lower weed control efficiency, growth and yield, likely attributed to leaching potential and pre-emergence-only application. The study highlights the potential benefits of atrazine-loaded formulations for efficient weed control in maize cultivation, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced crop productivity.

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