Source: http://vasat.icrisat.org/crops/pearl_millet/pm_production/html/m10_1.1/index.html

Weed Competition in Pearl Millet

    Weeds dominating pearl

               millet crop

Pearl millet being mainly grown during rainy season encounters several weeds which grow luxuriantly and dominate during this season as compared to rabi/summer season.

Weeds in pearl millet crop compete with the crop for nutrients, water, and light as with other crops. Weeds are more competitive when moisture is limiting and especially under drought situation. When young, grain pearl millet does not compete well with weeds.

   Weed-free pearl millet

Unless good weed control is achieved, substantial yield losses will occur. Yield loss of more than 70% due to weeds compared to weed free crop was reported from weed control experiments.

     Weeds-free young pearl millet crop

It was found necessary to keep the crop weed free from 15 to 30 days after sowing. Weed competition is critical during 25 to 30 days after sowing.

     Early planted pearl millet without weeds

Early planting of pearl millet avoids competition from the flush of weeds that comes up with continuous rains during the early monsoon period.