Evaluation of Herbicidal Formulations for Weed Control in Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) under Variable Agro-Ecological Conditions of Bangladesh
Mubasshir Ahmed *
Agronomy Division, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
S.M.S. Parvej
Agronomy Division, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
Sadia Afrin Jui
Agronomy Division, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
Kamiliya Kader
Agronomy Division, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
Shafia Nahid Kusum
Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
Md. Abdur Razzak Taohidi
Genetics Resources and Seed Division, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
Umme Hafsa Timmi
Fibre Quality Improvement Division, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
Md. Wahidul Islam
Genetics Resources and Seed Division, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
Shaikat Mitra
Agronomy Division, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
Md. Humayun Kabir
Farm Management Unit, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
Md. Shamim-Al-Mamun
Agronomy Division, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) is a major fibre crop of Bangladesh, but its yield is seriously constrained by heavy weed infestation during early growth stages. To address this challenge, a field study was conducted at the Jute Agriculture Experimental Station (JAES), Manikganj, and the Jute Research Sub-Station, Tarabo, during the 2023 and 2024 kharif seasons to evaluate the efficacy of 18 commercial herbicidal formulations under diverse agro-ecological conditions. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with two replications on silty loam and sandy clay loam soils. Treatments included different formulations of Quizalofop-p-ethyl, Glufosinate-ammonium, Pretilachlor, Benzoylprop-ethyl, and 2,4-D amine salt, applied at recommended rates. Results indicated that all herbicides provided substantial weed suppression (75–85% control efficiency), significantly reducing weed density and fresh biomass compared to the untreated control. Quizalofop-p-ethyl-based formulations, either alone or combined with Ethoxysulfuron (e.g., Natai 21OD, Raker 21OD), and Glufosinate-ammonium formulations (e.g., Fire 20SL, Imulin 20SL) showed the most consistent performance across locations and years. No visible phytotoxicity was recorded on the jute crop. The effective herbicides, particularly Emifit 50EC, Natai 21OD, Orin 72SL, and Cutter 50EC, are promising candidates for inclusion in integrated weed management programs for jute. Adoption of these formulations could minimize labour dependency on hand weeding, improve fibre yield, and promote sustainable jute production across the variable agro-ecological zones of Bangladesh.
Keywords: Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.), weed management, herbicide efficacy, quizalofop-p-ethyl, glufosinate-ammonium, integrated weed management