Introduction

Floriculture industry has become profitable industry due to divergence of farmers towards high value floral crops and utilization of flowers in social and industrial level (Ali et al., 2015; Zeshan et al., 2016). Gladiolus grandiflorus is the member of Iridaceae family and belongs to subfamily Ixioideae (Ranjan et al., 2010). Gladiolus flower is native to South Africa and has been commercially cultivated globally. Gladiolus genus is comprised of 255 species (Goldblatt and Manning, 1998) and is one of the most beautiful bulbous cut flowers in the floriculture industry.  It occupies fifth position in the international floriculture trade (Sharma and Sharma, 1988).Commercially it is used for cut flowers and occasionally used for landscape purposes.

Generally, weeds are defined as plants growing where they are not desired. Many weeds grow in areas where they are not well adapted, but may still thrive in the absence of competition (Ali et al., 2015). Usually they are favored by vigorous reproductive powers. Most of them are tolerant to adverse conditions of growth such as extreme heat or cold, drought or excessive moisture, saline or water-logged environments and marginal or disturbed soils. Weeds often possess hard seeds, underground root stocks or tubers, and show greater persistence (Athar and Shabbir, 2008). Weeds are the enemies of the crops in the sense that the needs of the both are identical in respect to light, soil, space, water, mineral salts and air for the manufacture of food substances and growth (Al-Yemeny, 1999; Zhao et al., 2006). Besides competing for light, nutrients, moisture and space, many weeds also exhibit allelopathic effects against susceptible crops (Javaid et al., 2007; Khan et al., 2005; Belz et al., 2007) and depress crop growth and secrete toxic substances from their decaying and living parts (Evidente et al., 2007; Singh et al., 2005). Weeds can also act as hosts of different crop pests (Oudejan, 1994). Weeds cause serious problems in the crops because of use of organic fertilizers like farm yard manure, urea and consistent irrigation patterns helping weeds to grow abundantly in the field crops (Rao, 1983). Worldwide different weed control strategies can be employed in the crops such as preventive, cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical. However, the chemical control using herbicides is one of the recent origin that is being practiced in modern agriculture. Herbicide use including pre emergence and post emergence applications on crops enables economic weed control and increases productivity (Taj et al., 1986). Weed control is complicated in Gladiolus because it is grown for two purposes both for cut flowers and corm production. Present research was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of different pre and post emergence herbicides on gladiolus to select effective herbicide for weed control in this crop.

1 Results and Discussions

Weeds are well known constraint to the production of all crops (Zhao et al., 2006; Rao et al., 2007; Sanusan et al., 2010) and some time even results to fail the crop (Phuong et al., 2005). Herbicides effectively suppress the weeds and provide the weeds free environment to the crop plants (Gitsopoulos and Froud-Williams, 2004). The criterion for weed control was taken as the percentage of weeds that are controlled by any particular treatment in comparison with untreated control. Applications of pre emergence (Metribuzine, Pendimethalin, S metolachlore), and post emergence (Paraquat, and Glyphosate, Metribuzine) treatmenrs depicted highly significant results on inhibiting the growth of weeds growth in gladiolus filed as shown in Table 1.

1.1 Effect of different herbicides on Deela (Cyperus rotundus)

Cyperus rotundus is native to Africa, southern to central Europe, and southern Asia. It is commonly called (purple nut sedge, coco-grass, and red nut sedge. Various researchers’ i.e Oudhia and Tripathi (2000), Shah and Khan (2006) and Riaz et al. (2007) have reported its occurrence in vegetable and flowering crops. Results regarding effect of pre-emergence herbicide application on weed control of Cyprus rotundus are given in Table 2 as treatment means. Among the pre-emergence herbicide treatments maximum weed count and minimum weed inhibition was observed T₁ (Metribuzine) 19.44 (23%) followed by T₃ (Pendimethalin low) 17.77 (29%) and T₄ (Pendimethalin high) 15.22 (39%) and lowest weed count and maximum weed inhibition was recorded in T₂ (S-metolachlore) 2.22 (91%) while comparing to T₀ (control) 25.11. Among post-emergence herbicide treatments maximum weed count and minimum weed inhibition percentage was observed inT₇ (Metribuzine low) 23.44 (7%) followed by T₅ (Paraquat) 6.0 (76%) and lowest weed count and maximum weed inhibition was observed in T₆ (Glyphosate) 3.55 (85%) while comparing to T₀ (control) 25.11 as shown in Figure 1. Results indicate that S metolachlore showed best control over Cyperus rotundus. Minimum plants (2.22 per ft²) were observed and showed maximum weed control percentage (91%) in the S-metolachlore treated plots. Barray et al. (2005) concluded that S-metolachlore applied as pre emergence herbicide significantly reduced the tuber densities of Cyperus rotundus up to 60%~65%.

Iqbal and Cheema (2008) reported that purple nutsedge (Cyprus rotundus) was reduced by 75%~88% than untreated control indicating that S. metolachlor doses as pre-emergent herbicide. Cheema et al. (2003) reported that 58%~71% inhibition of Cyperus rotundus was acquired with reduced rates of S-metolachlor as compared to control. Maqbool et al. (2001) reported that Pendimethalin and S-metolachlore both applied as pre-emergent herbicide and Pendimethalin was not effective against Cyperus rotundusand did not controlled it while S-metolachlore effectively controlled this weed.

1.2 Effect of different herbicides on field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)

Convolvulus arvesnsis is commonly called as “leli” or field bindweed. It belongs to the morning glory family “Convolvulaceae” and native to Asia and Europe. Different field survey confirms its occurrence in floricultural crops. Khan et al. (2001), Riaz et al. (2007) and Tahira et al. (2010) have reported its prevalence in galadiolus field. Results of Table 2 indicates that T₄ (Pendimethalin at 12 mL/litre) was found to be the most effective treatment in controlling Convolvulus arvensis because lowest weed count (0.88) weed plants per ft²and maximum weed control percentage (77%) was observed. Among the pre-emergence treatments highest field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) weed count and lowest weed control percentage was observed in, T₂ (S- metolachlore) 2.0 (48%), T₃ (Pendimethalin low) 1.33 (65%),T₁ (Metribuzine high) 1.0 (74%) and lowest weed count and maximum weed control percentage was observed in T₄ (Pendimethalin high) 0.88 (77%) when compared to T₀ (Control) 3.88. While in post emergence treatments highest weed count and lowest weed control percentage was observed in T₇ (Metribuzine low) 3.0 (22%), followed by T₅ (Paraquat) 1.33 (65%), and lowest weed count and maximum weed control percentage was observed in T₆ (Glyphosate) 1.0 (74%) when compared to T₀ (Control) 3.88. Khaliq et al. (1999) and Rahman et al. (2011) also reported that Pendimethalin was found to be an effective treatment while controlling Convolvulus arvensis. Rahman et al. (2012) showed the best weed control including Convolvulus arvensis was obtained with Pendimethalin and improved the yield of crops. Uygur et al. (2010) worked on weeds and reported that Convolvulus arvensis was bitterly controlled by Pendimethalin and did not cause toxicity to the plants. Wiese and Lavake (1985) stated that Glyphosate was used to suppress field bindweed during fallowor dormant periods in numerous crops but seldom eliminate re growth from adventitious buds on rhizomes. Kewat and Jitendra (2001) during their experiment on soybean reported that Lower doses of metribuzine and pendimethaline significantly lowered weed density of Convolvulus arvensis whereas higher doses caused phytotoxicity on the plant

1.3 Effect of different herbicides on swine cress (Coronopus didymus)

Data regarding swine cress weed inhibition was taken by visual observations by counting the number of weed plants in treated plots. Results of herbicide applications of Metribuzine, Pendimethalin, S metolachlore, Paraquat, and Glyphosate on suppression of swine cress weed are given as treatment means in Table 2. In pre emergence herbicides treatments maximum number of weed count and lowest weed control percentage was observed in T₃ (Pendimethalin. Low) 1.11(72%) followed by T₂ (S metolachlore) 0.56 (86%), T₁ (Metribuzine high) 0.43 (86%) and lowest weed count and highest weed control percentage was observed in T₄ (Pendimethalin. High) 0.33 (91%) when compared to control T₀ (Control) 4.0. Sharma (2000) in his experiment on radish reported that Coronopus didymus is effectively controlled by pendimethalin. Pandey et al. (2001) observed that Metribuzine and pendimethaline gave excellent control over Coronopus didymus. In post emergence herbicides maximum weed count was observed in T₆(Glyphosate) 1.33 (66%) followed by T₅ (Paraquat) 1.11 (72%) and lowest weed count and highest weed control percentage was observed in T₇ (Metribuzine low) 0.33 (91%) when compared to T₀ (Control) 4.0. 

Results indicate that Pendimethalin 12 mL/litre as pre emergence herbicide and Metribuzine 1g/litre as post emergence herbicide both showed (0.33 average plants per ft²) best results for controlling Coronopus didymusand weed control percentage was upto (91%). Khokhar et al. (2006) conducted a field trial to study weed management in benefits in transplanted onion and reported that Pendimethaline was found effective in controlling Coronopus didymus lowering the growth of weed and increased bulb yield. Gurcharan et al. (1994) suggested that all weeds controlling treatments including pendimethalin resulted in 79.6%~85.1% control of weed. Khan et al. (2012) reported that Coronopus didymus was squally controlled by the application of Pendimethalin and S metolachlore herbicides.

1.4 Effect of different herbicides on Bathu (Chenopodium album)

Chenopodium album is commonly called “bathu or pigweed” and common weed present in the region and in the gladiolus fields.It belongs to genus Chenopodium and widely distributed in the winter crops. This weed significantly reduced the yield upto 61 and 76 percent (Schroeder, 1992). Results in Figure 1D represent the applications of pre-emergence and post emergence herbicides on inhibition of Chenopodium album. Among the pre emergence treatments highest weed count and lowest weed control percentage was observed in T₁ (Metribuzine high) 0.55 (88%), T₂ (S metolachlore) 0.33 (96%), T₃(Pendimethalin low) 0.33 (96%), T₄ (Pendimethalin high) 0.22 (97%) while comparing to T₀ (control) 10.55. In post emergence herbicides applications maximum weed count was observed in T₅ (Paraquat) 2.44 (76%) followed by T₆ (Glyphosate) 1.22 (88%) and lowest weed count was observed in T₇ (Metribuzine low) 0.33 (96%) while comparing to T₀ (control) 10.55. Pendimethalin high dose 12ml/litre showed significant superiority in controlling Bathu (Chenopodium album) than other treatments. Minimum (0.22) plants per ft² and highest weed control percentage (97%) were observed in T₄ treated plots_. In other researches, it was revealed that Chenopodium album can be reduced significantly by the applications of metribuzin (Soltani et al., 2005), by application of pendimethaline and S-metolachlore, (Balyan et al., 1997; Rehman et al., 2011; Rahman et al., 2012; Soltani et al., 2012). Richardson and Zandstra et al. (2006) observed increased control of lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) from residual of Pendimthalin. The detail of results for the effect of different weeds on Chenopodium album is given in Figure 1D.

1.5 Effect of different herbicides on Red chick weed (Anagallis arvensis)

Anagallis arvensis is commonly called as red chick weed having low growing habit and broad leaf weed. It is known to have occurrence in the region as an important weed during winter crops. Schroeder (1992) reported that Amaranthus blitoides reduced the pepper yield upto 33 percent in untreated plots. Average minimum (0.22) plants per ft²and maximum weed control percentage (98%) were observed in T₄ applied plots. In pre emergence herbicide treatment maximum weed count was observed in T₂ (S metolachlore) 1.22 (90%) followed by T₃ (Pendimethalin. Low) 1.0 (92%), T₁ (Metribuzine high) 0.55 (95%) and lowest weed count T₄ (Pendimethalin high) 0.22 (98%) when compared toT₀ (Control) 12.77. In post emergence maximum weed count was observed in T₅ (Praquat) 4.11 (67%) followed by T₆ (Glyphosate) 3.33 (73%) and lowest weed count in T₇ (Metribuzine low) 0.22 (98%) when compared to control T₀ (Control) 12.77. Similar results were found by Tiwari and Kurchani (1993), Zubair et al. (2009) stated that Anagallis arvensiswas is effectively controlled by the applications of pendimethalin as pre emergence herbicide.

1.6 Effect of different herbicides on Horse weed (Conyza stricta)

Average minimum (0.89) plants per ft² and maximum weed control percentage (85%) were observed in T₄. Similar results were found by Sajid et al. (2012) reported that pendimethlin and S metolachlore both significantly controlled reduced the density of Conyza stricta. Singh and Singh (1998) reported the efficiency of Pendimethalin in controlling horse weed. Results were found contradictory to Hassan et al. (2003) who reported that the herbicides applied were effectively post emergently, the C. stricta germinating during early March was not influenced by the herbicide. In Pre emergence treatments applications highest weed count was observed in, followed by T₂ (S metolachlor) 2.0 (68%), T₃ (Pendimethalin 10ml/litre) 1.66 (73%), T₁ (Metribuzine high 2g/litre) 1.0(84%), T₄ (Pendimethalin High) 0.89 (85%) when compared with T₀ (control) 6.33. In post emergence treatments weed count including T₅ (Paraquat) 1.0 (84%), T₇ (Metribuzine low) 1.0 (84%), T₆ (Glyphosate) 0.89 (85%) when compared to untreated plot T₀ (control) 6.33.

1.7 Effect of different herbicides on Chick weed (Stellaria media)

Stellaria media is an important weed reported to have occurrence in the gladiolus fields. It is commonly called as chickweed and known to have occurrence in the cool season. It belongs to family Caryophyllaceae. Study revealed that Pendimethalin applied at 12ml/litre as pre emergence herbicide significantly found to be the best for the inhibition of Stellaria media. In pre emergence herbicides treatments highest weed count was observed in T₁ (Metribuzine high) 0.44 (96%), T₃ (Pendimethalin low) 0.33 (97%),T₂ (S metolachlore) 0.33 (97%) and lowest weed count T₄ (Pendimethaline.high) 0.22 (98%) when compared to T₀ (Control) 12.0. In post emergence herbicide applications highest weed count was observed in T₅ (Paraquat) 2.44 (79%), T₆ (Glyphosate) 2.0 (82%), T₇ (Metribuzine low) 0.77 (93%) when compared to T₀ (Control) 12. Average minimum (0.22) plants per ft² and maximum weed control percentage (98%) were observed in T₄ Figure 1G. Bonasia et al. (2012) reported that Pendimethaline did not show the clear results in terms of phytotoxicity and weed control. Wszelakia et al. (2007) reported that best control over Stellaria media was attained with herbicides which were more reliable to environmental hazards as compared to flaming. Steven et al. (2001) reported that Stellaria media was controlled upto 80% with the applications of S metolachlore.

1.8 Effect of different herbicides on Grasses (Poa annuaand Phalaris minoretc.)

Poa annua is commonly called as annual blue grass and also known as turfgrass in temperate climates with low growing habit. It is present abundantly in the gladiolus fields as a dominant weed. It belongs to family Poaceae. In pre emergence herbicide treatments T₁ maximum number of grasses were found in (Metribuzine high) 0.33 (96%), followed by T₂ (S metolachlore) 0.22 (97%), T₃ (Pendimethalin low) 0.0 (100%), T₄ (Pendimethalin High) 0.0 (100%) when compared to T₀ (Control) 10.22. In post emergence herbicide applied treatments highest weed count was observed in T₅ (Paraquat) 2.44 (76%), followed by T₆ (Glyphosate) 2.11 (79%) and T₇ (Metribuzine low) 0.22(97%) when compared to T₀ (Control) 10.222. Average minimum (0.0) plants per ft² and maximum weed control percentage (100%) were observed in T₄. Similar results were found by Yaduraju et al. (2000) reported pre emergence applications of Pendimethalin gave best results in controlling Phalaris minor L. Mehmood et al. (2007) found that Pendimethalin gave best results on controlling weeds like Poa annua and significantly increased yield.

1.9 Effect of different herbicides on Senji (Melilotus indica)

Melilotus indica belongs to family Fabeaceae. It is naturalized throughout the world but its origin northern Africa, Asia and Europe and commonly called as sweet clover. Regarding the growth suppression of Melilotus indica by herbicide applications of Metribuzine, Pendimethalin, S metolachlore, Paraquat and Glyphosate.Regarding pre mergence herbicides highest weed count of  senji was observed in T_I(Metribuzine high) 0.66 (96%), T₃ (Pendimethalin low) 0.55 (97%), T₂ (S metolachlore) 0.44 (97%), T₄ (Pendimethalin High) 0.22 (98%) when they were compared with controlT₀ (control) 4.44. In post emergence herbicide treatments highest weed count was observed in T₅ (Paraquat) 2.33 (79%) followed by T₆ (Glyphosate) 1.11 (82%), T₇ (Metribuzine low) 0.66 (93%), T₁ (Control) 4.44. Average minimum (0.22) plants per ft² and maximum weed control percentage (98%) were observed in T₄. Marwat et al. (2008) reported that Pendimethalin proved to be the very effective in controllingMelilotus indica. Shehzad et al. (2012) reported that all herbicide including pendimethalin applications effectively controlled Melilotus indica. Zubair et al. (2009) stated that pre emergence applications of stomp effectively controlled Melilotus indica. Tiwari and Kurchan (1993), Rahman et al. (2011) also reported similar results.

2 Conclusion

From this experiment it was concluded that Pre emergence herbicides treatments were found superior to post emergence herbicides treatments. Pendimethalin was found to be the most effective treatment and approximately controlled all weeds in Gladiolus. This research will help the Gladiolus growers to select the appropriate herbicide for the control of targeted weed. Adverse effects of these herbicides on plant growth, yield and injury have not studied in this research that is needed to make the results more concise.

3 Materials and Methods

Present study was conducted at Floriculture Research Area, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The study was carried out to check the efficiency of different herbicides for pre emergence and post emergence weed control on gladiolus variety “White prosperity”. Soil was thoroughly tilled, leveled and blocks were laid out according to Randomized Complete Block Design. A basal dose of NPK was applied @ 200:180:200 kg/ha before laying out the blocks. Each plot size comprises of 19.2 ft from width containing eight rows and each row contains five corms. Corms of gladiolus were planted on raised beds. Corms were planted randomly in three replications. There were eight treatments applied. Five corms were planted in each treatment and each treatment was replicated thrice with total of 120 corms used in the study. Before start of experiment, soil samples from various blocks of experimental field were collected randomly to assess physio-chemical properties (PH, EC, texture, organic matter contents and N, P, K and Zn contents) of the soil. The results regarding all parameters are given below. Soil analysis was performed to examine physical and chemical properties of soil which showed that soil has normal electrical conductivity (EC) 2.05 and high pH (8.05). The amount of organic matter was also in critical range (0.515). Potassium contents (191 mg/kg) were in normal range while phosphorus contents (8.3 mg/kg) were in critical ranges. The concentrations of zinc (1.3 mg/kg) and nitrogen (10.10 %) was also present in critical ranges. Pre emergence treatments were S metolachlor (8 mL/litre), Metribuzine (2 gm/litre), Pendimethalin (10 mL/litre), Pendimethalin (12 mL/litre) and were applied after 4 days after sowing when moisture conditions were available there.Post emergence treatments were Paraquat (10 mL/litre), Glyphosate (15 mL/litre) and Metribuzine (1 gm/litre) and applied after one month of sowing. All other cultural practices like fertilization, plant protection measures, staking, earthening up were same for all treatments during entire period of study. Plants were allowed to grow and data regarding growth, flowering was collected using standard procedures.

3.1 Date of Pre emergence weeds

Weeds were counted with the help of foot squares as number of weeds in one square foot which is equal to (929.03 cm) area. Data regarding pre emergence weeds was taken after one month of herbicides application because after one month they can be easily identified. From each replication three foot squares data was taken and weeds were counted randomly.

3.2 Data of Post emergence weeds

Weeds were counted with the help of foot squares as number of weeds in one square foot which is equal to (929.03cm) area. Data regarding post emergence weeds was taken after twenty days of post emergence herbicide application. From each replication three foot squares data was taken and weeds were counted randomly.

3.3 Statistical Analysis

All data was analyzed statistically by using analysis of variance technique and results were subjected to Duncan’s Multiple Range test, treatment means were compared according to two factorial RCBD at 5% level of significance as reported by Steel et al. (1997).

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