Effect of Non-chemical Methods in Integration with Trifluralin on Weeds and Yield of Basil (Ocimum bacilicum L.)

This research was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of non-chemical methods including living mulch, straw mulch and hand weeding in integration with trifluralin on weed control and basil (Ocimum bacilicum L.) yield.

The experiment was conducted in Research Field of University of Tabriz in 2022 based on randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and three replications. Weed management treatments included weed-free treatment in entire growth season, weed-infested treatment in entire growth season, using the trifluralin herbicide (Treflan EC 48%) at 100% of the recommended dose (2.5 L ha-1), trifluralin herbicide at 50% of the recommended dose (1.25 L ha-1), trifluralin herbicide at 50% of the recommended dose in integration with bitter vetch living mulch, wheat straw mulch and one time hand weeding and using mentioned non-chemical treatments alone (without application of trifluralin).

The highest weed biomass reduction percentage was observed in trifluralin 50% + one time hand weeding (85%) that was not significantly different with those in one time hand weeding (83%), trifluralin 50% + wheat straw mulch (65%) and trifluralin 100%. The highest basil dry weight (260 g m-2) was obtained in trifluralin 50% + one time hand weeding.

Using weed management treatments including one time hand weeding and trifluralin 50% + wheat straw mulch could be introduced to the growers in line with reduction of herbicide application and sustainable production of basil