Evaluation the effect of row space and weed management approaches on biomass, chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) yield, and yield components in Khorramabad dryland conditions

In order to evaluate the effect of row space and weed management on weed population, chickpea yield and yield components, a factorial experiment based on RCBD with three replications was conducted at field research of Agriculture College of Lorestan University in cropping season of 2006-2007. In this research experimental factors were chickpea row spaces with four levels (15, 20, 30 and 40 cm with fixed density 50 bush/m2) and weed management in 5 levels (weedy control, single and double weeding, pyridate post-emergence application and Fomesafen pre-emergence application). Results showed that with increase of planting row distance, biological, grain yield and yield components of chickpea reduced, but weed biomass enhanced. The lowest weed biomass belonged to weeding treatments, pyridate applied post-emergence and fomesafen applied pre-emergence, respectively. Also, the highest grain yield (1058 kg/ha) belonged to double stage weeding. Fomesafen applied pre-emergence and current herbicide (pyridate applied post-emergence) had not significant difference in relation to weed biomass. Fomesafen applied pre-emergence had not unacceptable phototoxic effects on chickpea.