Effect of Mulch Application in Integration with Reduced Rates of Trifluralin on Weeds and Essential Oil Yield of Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.)

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of reduced rates of trifluralin and kerosene in integration with straw and plastic mulch on weed management of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.).

The experiment was conducted based on randomized completely block design with three replications and 22 treatments in Kermanshah province, Iran, in 2017. The experimental treatments consisted of different rates of trifluralin including 100, 75 and 50% of recommended dose (2 L.ha-1) and kerosene rates were included 100,75,50 and 25% of applied dose (1000 L.ha-1) alone and in combination with straw (wheat) and plastic (black) mulch and weed free treatment.

The result showed that growth traits and yield components of cumin were significantly influenced by integrated weed management treatments. The integrated management treatments had a significant effect on cumin grain yield. The highest grain yield after weed free treatment was belonged to trifluralin 100% + plastic mulch (597. 3 kg.ha-1) and the lowest one was belonged to the kerosene 25% (368.2 kg.ha-1). The integrated weed management treatments had significant effect on essential oil content (%) and essential oil yield of cumin and the highest essential oil content (1.54%) and essential oil yield (9.20 kg.ha-1) was obtained in trifluralin 100% + plastic mulch.

It could be concluded that trifluralin with 75% of recommended rate and in integration with straw much could be a suitable alternative for kerosene in sustainable weed management of cumin.