EFFECT OF PLANTING METHODS AND WEED CONTROL ON PRODUCTIVITY OF JAPANESE MINT (Mentha arvensis L.)

Effect of planting methods and weed control on productivity and oil quality of Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L.) were evaluated in a field trial at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India, during 2009 and 2010. Three planting methods (flat, bed and ridge planting) and six weed control treatments (oxyfluorfen at 0.20 kg/ha was applied as pre-emergence, post-emergence at 10, 15 and 20 days after planting; two hand hoeings and unweeded control) were evaluated. Planting methods did not influence weed dynamics and Japanese mint herb yield. Oxyflourfen as pre-emergence recorded the lowest density and dry matter of grass and broadleaf weeds and gave the highest Japanese mint herb yield during both the years. Oxyflourfen applied at 10 days was at par to its pre-emergence application with respect to weed control and Japanese mint herb yield. Further delay in oxyflourfen application recorded poor weed control and herb yield was significantly reduced. Mint oil and menthol content did not vary among planting methods and weed control treatments.