Integrated Weed Management in Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)

Soybean (Glycine max L.Merril) is a major component of the diet of millions of people throughout the world. It is one of the nature¿s most efficient protein producers. It yields more usable protein per unit area than any other commonly cultivated crop, at least three times more than rice, wheat or maize. While most plant sources of protein are seriously deficient in one or more of nine essential amino acids, soybean is an exception. It has diversified food options in the preparation of full fat soy-flour, milk, paneer, curd, ice-cream, sprouted and roasted snacks, soy-fortified bakery, soy-protein concentrate, and dietary-fiber, citric acid, margarine etc. It plays an important role in solving problem of malnutrition as it contains about 20% oil and 40% high quality protein. Its protein is rich in valuable amino acid lycine (5%), in which, most of the cereals are deficient. Amongst the major constraints in its cultivation, weed infestation is the most important one. It is very sensitive to early weed competition. Weed infestation in soybean field may reduce yield by 19-33% depending upon the intensity, nature and duration of weed competition.