Wheat is one of the most important food crops grown across India. To achieve good yield and quality grains, managing weeds is as important as irrigation and fertilizer application. Weeds compete with wheat for nutrients, water, and sunlight. If not controlled on time, they can reduce yield by 20–40%. Even after early weeding or herbicide use, some weeds may still appear later in the crop. That’s why weed control around 50 days after sowing becomes crucial for keeping the field clean and ensuring healthy crop growth.
1. Why weeds appear after 50 days
After about 45–50 days of sowing, wheat enters the active tillering stage. This is the time when the crop grows fast and needs more nutrients. However, late-emerging weeds also take advantage of this stage.
If early herbicide sprays were weak or weather conditions (like rain or low temperature) affected weed control, new flushes of weeds—both grasses and broad-leaved types—can appear again. These weeds, if left unmanaged, reduce tiller growth and make harvesting difficult.
2. Common weeds seen at this stage
Grassy weeds: Phalaris minor (gulli danda), Avena fatua (wild oat)
Broad-leaved weeds: Chenopodium album (bathua), Melilotus alba (senji), Anagallis arvensis (krishna neel)
Sedges: Cyperus rotundus (motha)
Each type needs different herbicides or methods for effective control.
3. Cultural and mechanical methods
If the weed population is not too high, hand weeding or hoeing is effective around 45–50 days after sowing. Use a wheel hoe or light intercultural operation between rows to uproot weeds. This not only removes weeds but also loosens the soil and improves aeration.
However, for large fields or heavy infestations, manual control becomes difficult and uneconomical. In such cases, herbicide application is the best option.
4. Chemical weed control (Post-emergence herbicides)
At around 45–50 days of crop growth, post-emergence herbicides are most effective. Farmers should identify whether grassy or broad-leaved weeds are dominant and choose the right product accordingly.
For grassy weeds (like Phalaris minor):
Use Clodinafop-propargyl (60 g/acre) or Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (80 g/acre).
Spray when weeds are 2–4 leaves old, using 150–200 liters of water per acre.
For mixed weeds (both grassy and broad-leaved):
Apply Sulfosulfuron (32 g/acre) or Metsulfuron + Sulfosulfuron combination for better control.
Use a flat-fan nozzle for uniform spray and avoid windy conditions.
For broad-leaved weeds only:
Use 2,4-D sodium salt (500 g/acre) or Metsulfuron-methyl (8 g/acre).
Apply between 30–55 days after sowing, depending on the weed stage.
Important tips:
Always check that the wheat crop is healthy and not under water or drought stress before spraying.
Do not mix herbicides unless the label or local agriculture officer recommends it.
Avoid spraying during very cold or foggy mornings; choose clear weather for best results.
5. Integrated weed management
For sustainable weed control, combine practices such as:
Using clean and certified seed to avoid weed seed contamination.
Rotating crops with rice, maize, or pulses to break the weed cycle.
Maintaining optimum seed rate and line sowing to encourage quick crop canopy cover.
Conclusion
Weed control after 50 days of sowing in wheat is essential to protect the crop during its critical growth stage. Timely hoeing or appropriate herbicide application keeps the field weed-free and ensures good tillering, stronger plants, and higher grain yield. A clean field at this stage means a better harvest later — healthy wheat, higher productivity, and more profit for the farmer.
