CONTROL GULLI DANDA IN WHEAT: PAU EXPERT

Ludhiana, December 8, 2017: “Gulli danda is the most dominant weed of wheat which causes significant reductions in wheat grain yield in the state. The prevailing weather conditions (low temperature) and wet fields are more conducive for its germination and establishment,” warned Dr Thakar Singh, Head, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The rainfall in mid-November has further helped in germination and establishment of this weed in wheat fields, he observed. At many farmers’ fields, gulli danda plants are already at two to three leaf stages even before first irrigation, he said. The gulli danda plants at this stage need to be controlled before first irrigation, as if delayed to after first irrigation the gulli danda plants will attain bigger size which will be difficult to control with herbicides later on, he added. Under these situations, the farmers are advised to spray Leader/ Safal/ Marksulfo 75 WG (sulfosulfuron) @ 13 g/acre in 150 litres of water 2 to 3 days before first irrigation to wheat. In areas where Isoproturon provides good control of gulli danda, any recommended brand of this herbicide like Arelon 75 WP can be sprayed @ 300 to 500 g/acre, depending on soil type, in 150 litres of water 2 to 3 days before first irrigation to wheat, he said.