Efficacy of Herbicides in Controlling Wild Onion (Asphodelus tenuifolius L.) in Cumin Grown under Arid Climatic Conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of different herbicides for controlling wild onion (Asphodelus tenuifolius) in cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) during the rabi seasons (2018–2019 and 2019–2020) at Agricultural Research Station, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The experiment comprised eight herbicidal weed management treatments for wild onion applied to cumin in a three-replication randomized block design. Among the herbicidal weed management treatments, early post-emergence (8 DAS) application of oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha resulted in the lowest weed density and dry matter of Asphodilus tenuifolius, with maximum weed (Asphodilus tenuifolius) control efficiency at 40 days after sowing (DAS) during both experimental years. Likewise, the highest total efficiency of weed control was recorded with the application of oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha at 8 DAS. Oxyflourfen 200 g/ha used early post emergence (8 DAS) reduced the weed index more effectively than the other herbicides. It also recorded the highest number of branches/plant, plant height, umbels/plant, umbellates/umbel, seeds/umbellates, and seed yield. However, application of oxyflourfen @ 200 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE and pendimethalin 38.7 CS 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen @ 150 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE were statistically similar in terms of plant growth, yield, and yield attributes. The net returns (366.49 USD/ha in 2018–2019 and 175.72 USD/ha in 2019–2020) and B:C ratio (1.70 and 1.33 in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, respectively) were also superior, with oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha applied early post emergence.

1. Introduction

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is mostly grown in India, Morocco, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Syria, Egypt, Algeria, and China [1]. Cumin is an important spice crop in India. This crop is widely adopted as an essential commercial crop in arid and semi-arid regions of India. Gujarat and Rajasthan are the top producers of cumin. It is cultivated in an area of 9.25 lakh hectares with the production of 5.4 lakh tons and productivity of 640 kg/ha in India during 2019–2020 [2]. Cumin is valued for its distinctive aroma, which comes from its essential oil ranging between 2.7 and 4.3% in indigenous collections and up to 5.5% in exotic collections [3]. Cumin seeds are used for various purposes, including condiments, medicine, flavoring, and seasoning agents. Following the extraction of the volatile oil, the residues contain high levels of protein (17%) and fat (20.42%), making them suitable for use as cattle feed [4]. Cuminaldehyde or cuminal is a major component of cumin essential oil contributing to the specific value-added aroma and has carminative, stomachic, and astringent properties [1,3].

Cumin is a short-statured crop with slow germination and initial growth and less canopy cover, making it unable to compete with weeds. Most farmers sow by broadcasting method, which takes time for germination (10–14 days) and requires one or two extra irrigations for better germination [5]. These factors provide an ideal atmosphere for the luxurious growth of weeds during the initial crop growth stage, which compete for essential resources (water, nutrients, light, and space), resulting in low seed yield. Cumin seed yields might be reduced by 80–90% owing to weed infestations, depending on the severity and kind of plant flora present in the field [6]. As a result, successful weed control is needed to achieve the optimal level of yield and improve resource usage efficiency, as arid and semi-arid soils are still deficient in these resources.

The major weed species that appear in the cumin crop in Rajasthan (India) are Chenopodium murale L., Rumex dentatus L., Chenopodium album L., and Cynodon dactylon L. [7]. Asphodelus tenuifolius has emerged as a major noxious weed of cumin. Additionally, wild onion (A. tenuifolius) is a serious weed of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), mustard (Brassica juncea L.), linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), and lentil (Lens culinaris Medic.) in India [8,9]. It germinates quickly, regenerates, and competes with crops in the early phases of growth [10]. Earlier reports suggest that wild onion leaves have an allelopathic effect on the germination and growth of different crop plants [11]. Tewari et al. [8] reported that chickpea and mustard yield was decreased by 80% and 56%, respectively, due to infestation of Asphodelus tenuifolius.

Controlling Asphodelus tenuifolius in cumin crops under field conditions is a big challenge for the farmers of arid regions. Hand pulling (manual weeding) of Asphodelus tenuifolius is common, but due to the unusual configuration of the sturdy roots, this method frequently results only in top removal. Bulbs or bulblets will likely be left in the ground, and new leaves will later re-emerge. This is also an expensive, labor-intensive, and time-consuming method of weed control. Chemical weed control may be the most suitable option to overcome these problems [12]. Herbicides play an essential role in weed control where manual or mechanical weeding is difficult [13]. Weed control has crucial importance in increasing the yield of the crop. Controlling wild onion (Asphodelus tenuifolius) and other allied weeds, which have a significant impact on cumin crop yields, requires effective weed management techniques. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the influence of various herbicidal weed management practices on noxious weed density and consequential effects on various growth parameters of cumin, including seed yield and yield attributes.

2. Material and Methods

2.1. Field Experiment

During two successive rabi seasons (2018–2019 and 2019–2020), a field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Geographically, it is located between 26°15′ N and 26°45′ N latitude and 73°00′ E and 73°29′ E longitude at an altitude of 231 m above mean sea level. This research station falls under agro-climatic zone Ia (Arid Western Plains Zone) of Rajasthan. The experimental field’s soil was composed of a sandy loam with a low organic carbon content (0.13%), slightly alkaline in reaction (pH 8.2), and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium was 173, 23.2, and 325 kg/ha, respectively. The climate of Jodhpur is typically arid with hot dry summers. The average annual rainfall is about 367 mm, and the bulk of it (85 to 90%) is received from June to September (Kharif season) by the southwest monsoon. The weekly agro-meteorological parameters were recorded and are presented in chart format during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 (Figure 1). Meteorological data were collected from the meteorological station of ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, Rajasthan (India).

Under the present investigation, different herbicides were used to study their effect on wild onion and crops. The experiment comprising of eight treatments viz. T₁—weedy check, T₂—weed-free, T₃—pendimethalin 38.7 CS @ 750 g/ha–pre-emergence (PE), T₄—oxyfluorfen @ 200 g/ha–PE, T₅—pendimethalin 38.7 CS @ 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen @ 150 g/ha–PE, T₆—oxyflourfen @ 200 g/ha 8 DAS–early post emergence (POE), T₇—endimethalin 38.7 CS @ 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen @ 150 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE, and T₈—oxydiargyl @ 50 g/ha 20 DAS–POE, was set up in a three-replication randomized block design. Plot size was 5.0 m × 3.0 m (15 m²). Cumin seeds of the GC 4 variety were treated with carbendazim @ 2.0 g/kg seed to protect the crop from fungal diseases which were sowed 30 cm apart in a line at a seed rate of 12 kg/ha. The required quantity of commercial formulation of each herbicidal treatment was sprayed using a knapsack sprayer with a flat fan nozzle and 500 L/ha of water as a carrier. One day after sowing, pre-emergence herbicides were sprayed. In comparison, post-emergence herbicides were used at 8 and 20 DAS after sowing. In the weedy check, no weeding practice was performed. All the recommended improved practices were followed in this experiment, including fertilizers and plant-protection measures.

2.2. Analysis of Weed Density and Weed Dry Weight

Weed counting was carried out using a quadrate of 0.5 × 0.5 m² at two locations, and the dry weight of each plot’s weeds was recorded. For the determination of weed dry weight, weed samples were collected in triplicate from each plot. The samples were placed inside a paper envelope in an oven at 105 °C for two hours, and then at 80 °C until a constant dry weight was obtained.

2.3. Analysis of Weed Control Efficiency and Weed Index

As suggested by Mani et al. [14], the following formula was used to compute weed control efficiency, WCE (%):

$$\mathrm{Weed}\mathrm{control}\mathrm{efficiency},\mathrm{WCE}(\%)=\frac{\mathrm{DMC}-\mathrm{DMT}}{\mathrm{DMC}}\times 100$$

(1)

where

DMC = Dry matter production of weeds/m² in weedy check.

DMT = Dry matter production of weeds/m² in the treatment to be compared.

Weed index is a percent reduction in seed yield due to weed compared to the total yield of weed-free treatment. The index of weed was determined using the following formula:

$$\mathrm{Weed}\mathrm{Index}(\%)=\frac{\mathrm{X}-\mathrm{Y}}{\mathrm{X}}\times 100$$

(2)

where

X = Seed yield from weed free plot.

Y = Seed yield from the treatment for which the weed index is to be determined.

2.4. Analysis of Plant Growth, Yield, and Yield Attributes

At maturity, five plants from each plot were uprooted for determination of plant height (cm), number of umbels/plant, number of branches/plant, number of seeds/umbellate, and number of umbellates/umbel. After threshing, the seed yield of cumin from each treatment’s plot was weighed, and the weight is given in kg/ha.

2.5. Statistical Analyses

The experiment’s entire data sets were analyzed to determine the mean values of three replicates of each treatment. Using Minitab 17 software, the data were then statistically examined with a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Fisher LSD method at a 95% confidence (p ≤ 0.05) was used to group information between mean values of acquired data from each experiment. Additionally, the Sigma Plot version 12 program was utilized to create the figures.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Major Weed Flora

The weed flora noticed from the weedy check plots of the experimental field consisted of Asphodelus tenuifolius L. (70.8%) and others (29.2%), i.e., Chenopodium album L., Chenopodium murale L., Rumex dentatus L., Launea asplenifolia L., Cynodon dactylon L., and Cyperus rotundus. However, predominant weeds were Asphodelus tenuifolius L., Chenopodium murale L., and Chenopodium album L. Similarly, Patel et al. [5] and Birla et al. [15] found Asphodelus tenuifolius as a major weed in cumin.

3.2. Effect of Different Herbicides on Density and Dry Matter of Weeds

The density and dry matter of Asphodilus tenuifolius recorded at 40 DAS were significantly reduced by all the herbicidal treatments as compared to weedy check during both the years (Figure 2). Among different herbicides, application of oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha early post emergence (8 DAS) was the most efficient in lowering the density and dry matter of Asphodilus tenuifolius weed, followed by application of pendimethalin 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen 150 g/ha applied early post emergence during both the years (Figure 2). The application of oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha early post emergence (8 DAS) reduced the wild onion density by 90.40% and 78.42% over the weedy check during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, respectively. Likewise, wild onion dry matter was reduced by 85% and 75% over the weedy check during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, respectively. However, application of pendimethalin 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen 150 g/ha applied at 8 DAS significantly reduced the density and dry matter of wild onion as well as total weeds as compared to the application of pendimethalin 750 g/ha and oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha applied pre-emergence, but their application pre-emergence was found to be on par with each other (Figure 2 and Table S1). Our results are corroborated by Patel et al. [16], who found that both the oxadiargyl and pendimethalin pre-emergence significantly reduced the dry weight of weeds compared to the post-emergence application of oxadiargyl. Earlier research revealed that herbicides viz. pendimethalin [17] and oxadiargyl [5], were found to be efficient against weeds in cumin. Mathukia et al. [18] reported that the application of pendimethalin (900 g/ha) pre-emergence followed by hand weeding at 45 DAS and oxadiargyl (75 g/ha) early post emergence at 7 DAS followed by hand weeding at 45 DAS significantly reduced the dry weight of weeds in cumin. Our results also have close conformity with the results of Mehdi et al. [19]. They reported that application of pre-planting herbicides (trifluralin and ethalfluralin), pre-emergence herbicides (oxadiazon, simazine, and prometryn), and post-emergence herbicide (Linuron) significantly reduced the dry weight and weed density of weeds in cumin as compared to the weedy check.

Pre-emergence or post-emergence (20–25 DAS) herbicides are usually used for controlling weeds in cumin. However, their efficiency is lower. Generally, cumin seeds germinate within 10–14 days and require one or two additional irrigations. This provides an ideal environment for weeds to flourish. Moreover, herbicides can also be leached out of the soil. Additionally, the thin waxy leaves of wild onion may decrease the weed control efficiency of post-emergence herbicides. Waxy leaves are largely responsible for poor herbicide absorption since they obstruct the herbicide’s ability to stick on leaves and reduce the penetration process. [20]. As a result, early post-emergence herbicides could be more effective for controlling weeds in cumin. Since early post-emergence herbicides have a higher effective value, application of oxyfluorfen @ 200 g/ha early post emergence (8 DAS) or pendimethalin 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen 150 g/ha applied at 8 DAS might be more efficient in lowering the Asphodilus tenuifolius density as well as other weeds in cumin than pre-emergence or post-emergence herbicides.

Oxyfluorfen has both foliar and soil activity. This herbicide is the inhibitor of protoporphyrinogen oxidase. It destroys the cell membrane of weeds by forming reactive oxygen species (superoxide and peroxide radicals) and free electrons responsible for lipid peroxidation [21]. Pendimethalin inhibits cell division and root formation in weed seedlings [21], whereas oxadiargyl is the inhibitor of protoporphyrinogen oxidase and destroys the weeds by necrotic action [22].

3.3. Weed Control Efficiency (WCE) and Weed Index (WI)

Efficacy of herbicide can only be judged by calculating the weed control efficiency of a particular treatment and comparing it with weedy check to control weeds. Significant differences in weed control efficiency and weed index were observed as a result of several weed management treatments (Figure 3 and Supplementary Table S2). Among the herbicidal weed management treatments, oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha early post emergence (8 DAS) and pendimethalin 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen 150 g/ha applied early post emergence (8 DAS) were equally significant over the other herbicidal weed management treatments in relation to wild onion (Asphodelus tenuifolius) control efficiency and weed index during both experimental years (Figure 3A,B). However, oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha early post emergence (8 DAS) recorded the highest wild onion control efficiency (84.79% and 75.28% in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, respectively). Likewise, the lowest weed index (2.9% in 2018–2019 and 2.7% in 2019–2020) was also recorded with oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha applied early post emergence (8 DAS) (Figure 3B). This could be due to herbicides being used to eliminate weeds.

The improved weed indices could be attributed to the integrated effect of these treatments on the dry matter of weeds and seed yield. This is akin to the report of Bhandari et al. [23]. Similarly, Patel et al. [5] also found maximum weed index (77%) with the weedy check, and that herbicide treatments significantly decreased the weed index and enhanced the weed control efficiency considerably. Our present study found a novelty that oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha early post emergence (8 DAS) significantly decreased the dry matter and weed density of wild onion and other weeds without any hand-weeding intercultural operation in cumin.

3.4. Effect of Herbicidal Weed Management on Cumin Plant Growth, Yield, and Yield Attributes

The number of branches/plant and plant height were significantly raised by all the herbicidal weed management treatments over the weedy check during both consecutive years (

Table 1. Effect of herbicidal weed management on plant growth and umbels of cumin.

Treatment	Branches/Plant		Plant Height (cm)		Umbels/Plant
	2018–2019	2019–2020	2018–2019	2019–2020	2018–2019	2019–2020
Weedy check	4.0 ± 0.20 b	3.90 ± 0.17 e	21.0 ± 3.0 c	20.1 ± 2.0 e	15.4 ± 3.8 d	15.7 ± 2.02 d
Weed free	5.8 ± 0.52 a	5.45 ± 0.30 a	29.5 ± 1.7 a	30.5 ± 0.80 a	29.0 ± 2.0 a	28.0 ± 1.32 a
Pendimethalin 38.7 CS @ 750 g/ha–PE	4.4 ± 0.4 b	4.30 ± 0.23 de	25.0 ± 1.7 b	24.7 ± 2.21 d	20.9 ± 1.9 c	20.0 ± 1.80 c
Oxyfluorfen @ 200 g/ha–PE	4.5 ± 0.5 b	4.53 ± 0.58 cd	25 ± 2.65 b	24.9 ± 1.53 cd	21.3 ± 0.55 c	21.7 ± 1.76 bc
Pendimethalin 38.7 CS 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen 150 g/ha @–PE	5.2 ± 0.20 a	4.67 ± 0.11 cd	27 ± 1.40 ab	27.3 ± 1.47 bcd	22.0 ± 1.58 c	23.7 ± 0.77 b
Oxyfluorfen @ 200 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE	5.7 ± 0.27 a	5.20 ± 0.20 ab	29.13 ± 0.80 a	30.0 ± 1.47 ab	28.0 ± 1.0 a	27.2 ± 1.15 a
Pendimethalin 38.7 CS 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen @ 150 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE	5.6 ± 0.27 a	4.93 ± 0.11 bc	28.60 ± 0.91 a	27.8 ± 1.75 abc	26.0 ± 1.38 ab	26.8 ± 2.52 a
Oxydiargyl @ 50 g/ha 20 DAS–POE	4.5 ± 0.48 b	4.60 ± 0.41 cd	25.20 ± 2.31 b	26.3 ± 2.13 cd	22.7 ± 2.57 bc	22.7 ± 1.60 bc

Data are the average of three replicates ± SD; Grouping information between mean values of obtained data was carried out by Fisher LSD method and 95% confidence (p ≤ 0.05). Different letter point out significant differences in a column.

). In both years, the highest number of branches/plant and plant height were recorded with the weed-free treatment, which was equally significant with the application of oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha applied at 8 DAS, pendimethalin 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen 150 g/ha applied at 8 DAS, and pendimethalin 38.7 CS 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen 150 g/ha @–PE. Mehdi et al. [19] also found significant differences among various herbicide treatments in cumin density, number of umbels/plant, number of seeds/umbel, 1000-seed weight, and seed yield. This could be due to the crop having more resources available in the absence of weeds. The low number of branches/plant and plant height observed under weedy check may be a result of significant resource competition between weeds and agricultural plants (water, nutrients, light, and space).

The number of umbellates/umbel, umbels/plant, and seeds/umbellate, as well as seed yield, were significantly increased under various herbicidal weed management treatments over the weedy check (Table 1 and

Table 2. Effect of herbicidal weed management on yield and yield attributes of cumin.

Treatment	Umbellates/Umbel		Seeds/Umbellate		Seed Yield (kg/ha)
	2018–2019	2019–2020	2018–2019	2019–2020	2018–2019	2019–2020
Weedy check	4.2 ± 0.52 d	3.7 ± 0.57 d	4.03 ± 0.35 d	3.6 ± 0.23 b	103 ± 21 c	91 ± 5 c
Weed free	5.0 ± 2.0 a	4.9 ± 0.11 a	5.23 ± 0.40 a	4.8 ± 0.20 a	446 ± 19 a	375 ± 16 a
Pendimethalin 38.7 CS @ 750 g/ha–PE	4.4 ± 2.0 cd	4.2 ± 0.20 c	4.60 ± 0.20 c	4.4 ± 0.20 a	309 ± 13 b	283 ± 28 b
Oxyfluorfen @ 200 g/ha–PE	4.3 ± 0.10 cd	4.4 ± 0.40 bc	4.70 ± 0.26 bc	4.5 ± 0.30 a	325 ± 22 b	287 ± 11 b
Pendimethalin 38.7 CS 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen 150 g/ha @–PE	4.7 ± 0.37 abc	4.7 ± 0.26 abc	4.90 ± 0.20 abc	4.6 ± 0.20 a	344 ± 6 b	314 ± 21 b
Oxyflourfen @ 200 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE	4.9 ± 0.36 ab	4.8 ± 0.15 ab	5.16 ± 0.15 ab	4.8 ± 0.40 a	433 ± 35 a	365 ± 12 a
Pendimethalin 38.7 CS 500 g/ha + Oxyfluorfen @ 150 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE	4.8 ± 0.20 abc	4.8 ± 0.13 ab	5.0 ± 0.20 abc	4.7 ± 0.30 a	402 ± 50 a	353 ± 22 a
Oxydiargyl @ 50 g/ha 20 DAS–POE	4.5 ± 0.20 bcd	4.3 ± 0.30 bc	4.63 ± 0.28 c	4.5 ± 0.23 a	338 ± 29 b	301 ± 30 b

Data are the average of three replicates ± SD; Grouping information between mean values of obtained data was carried out by Fisher LSD method and 95% confidence (p ≤ 0.05). Different letter point out significant differences in a column.

). In both experimental years, weed-free treatment was equally significant with oxyfluorfen @ 200 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE and pendimethalin 38.7 CS 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen @ 150 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE treatments in relation to umbels/plant and seed yield of cumin. In the case of seeds/umbellate, pendimethalin 38.7 CS 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen 150 g/ha @–PE, oxyfluorfen @ 200 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE, and pendimethalin 38.7 CS 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen @ 150 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE were equally as significant as weed-free treatment in 2018–2019. However, in 2019–2020, there were no statistically significant differences between the various herbicidal weed management treatments and weed-free treatments in relation to umbellates/plant.

In relation to yield and yield attributes (umbels/plant, umbellates/plant, and seeds/umbellates), the highest effect was recorded with weed-free treatment, closely followed by early post-emergence application of oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha, and pre-emergence as well as early post-emergence application of pendimethalin 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen 150 g/ha. In 2018–2019, application of oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha early post emergence (8 DAS) enhanced the cumin seed yield by 321% and 33.23%, respectively, over the weedy check and oxyfluorfen @ 200 g/ha–PE. A similar trend was also found during 2019–2020 in relation to the seed yield of cumin (Table 2).

This could be due to decreasing the competition with the main crop for moisture, space, light, and nutrients. As a result of reduced crop–weed competition, crop growth improved, as evidenced by increased plant height and dry matter accumulation. Our results have close conformity with Patel et al. [5], who found that cumin seed yields were significantly affected by varied weed management practices. In addition, our findings are in close agreement with those of Meena et al. [24] and Yadav et al. [17]. Patel et al. [16] reported that the cumin seed yield was significantly higher with the application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha than fluchloralin or trifluralin 1.0 kg/ha, because the application of pendimethalin was more effective in controlling weeds in cumin than other herbicides. Haji Rezaei et al. [25] reported that application of pre-plant incorporated (trifluralin and pendimethalin @ 3 L/ha) and pre-emergence herbicides (pendimethalin @ 3 L/ha, prometryn @ 2 kg/ha, and metribuzin @ 1 kg/ha) significantly reduced the dry weight, weed density, and leaf area of weeds in cumin. However, pendimethalin as a pre-emergence herbicide showed the highest weed control efficiency and increased the cumin yield by 204% over the weedy check.

3.5. Economics

Our results reveal that all herbicidal weed management treatments significantly increased the net return and benefit:cost ratio (B:C ratio) over the control (weedy check) (

Table 3. Evaluation of economics of different herbicides used for controlling of weeds in cumin.

Treatments	Cost of Cultivation (USD/ha)	Gross Returns (USD/ha)		Net Returns (USD/ha)		B:C Ratio
		2018–2019	2019–2020	2018–2019	2019–2020	2018–2019	2019–2020
Weedy check	494.64	211.83 ± 43.5 c	174.09 ± 10.0 c	−282.81 ± 43.5 c	−320.56 ± 10.0 d	0.43 ± 0.08 d	0.35 ± 0.02 e
Weed free	585.67	919.44 ± 39.5 a	721.78 ± 30.0 a	333.77 ± 39.5 a	136.11 ± 30.0 ab	1.57 ± 0.07 a	1.23 ± 0.05 abc
Pendimethalin 38.7 CS @ 750 g/ha–PE	523.58	636.16 ± 26.6 b	545.03 ± 53.0 b	112.59 ± 26.6 b	21.45 ± 53.0 c	1.22 ± 0.05 c	1.04 ± 0.10 d
Oxyfluorfen @ 200 g/ha–PE	526.61	670.28 ± 45.7 b	552.72 ± 21.7 b	143.68 ± 45.7 b	26.11 ± 21.7 c	1.27 ± 0.087 c	1.05 ± 0.04 d
Pendimethalin 38.7 CS 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen 150 g/ha @–PE	533.57	709.67 ± 12.42 b	604.55 ± 40.1 b	176.11 ± 12.42 b	70.98 ± 40.1 bc	1.33 ± 0.02 c	1.13 ± 0.08 bcd
Oxyflourfen @ 200 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE	526.61	893.10 ± 72.4 a	702.34 ± 22.2 a	366.49 ± 72.4 a	175.72 ± 22.2 a	1.70 ± 0.13 a	1.33 ± 0.04 a
Pendimethalin 38.7 CS 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen @ 150 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE	544.49	827.84 ± 102.6 a	678.81 ± 42.0 a	283.35 ± 102.6 a	134.32 ± 42.0 ab	1.52 ± 0.18 ab	1.25 ± 0.07 ab
Oxydiargyl @ 50 g/ha 20 DAS–POE	518.84	697.31 ± 59.6 b	578.36 ± 57.8 b	178.47 ± 59.6 b	59.52 ± 57.8 c	1.34 ± 0.11 bc	1.11 ± 0.11 bcd

Data are the average of three replicates ± SD; Grouping information between mean values of obtained data was carried out by Fisher LSD method and 95% confidence (p ≤ 0.05). Different letter point out significant differences in a column.

). Oxyfluorfen @ 200 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE and pendimethalin 38.7 CS 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen @ 150 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE were equally significant over the other herbicidal weed management treatments in relation to net return and B:C ratio. However, application of oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha applied early post emergence recorded the highest net returns (366.49 USD/ha in 2018–2019 and 175.72 USD/ha in 2019–2020) and benefit:cost ratio (1.70 and 1.33 in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, respectively). This could be due to the cost of cumin crop cultivation increasing in weed-free treatment as a result of the increased demand for human labor and higher wages. This cost was lowered in the treatment of oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha applied early post emergence by using herbicide to effectively control weeds, minimizing labor requirements. Pendimethalin 38.7 CS @ 750 g/ha applied pre emergence was the least significant in relation to net return and B:C ratio. A similar trend was also noticed by Meena et al. [24], Yadav et al. [17], and Birla et al. [15].

4. Conclusions

All herbicidal weed management treatments considerably decreased the density and dry matter of wild onions (A. tenuifolius) over the control (weedy check). The lowest wild onion (A. tenuifolius) dry matter and weed density were found with the application of oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha at 8 DAS followed by pendimethalin 38.7 CS 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen @ 150 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE. The application of oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha at 8 DAS was more effective in controlling Asphodelus tenuifolius than other herbicidal weed management treatments. The number of branches/plant, plant height, umbels/plant, umbellates/plant, and seeds/umbellate, as well as seed yield, of cumin were more prominent with oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha at 8 DAS followed by pendimethalin 38.7 CS 500 g/ha + oxyfluorfen @ 150 g/ha 8 DAS–early POE. The application of oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha at 8 DAS was also economically feasible compared to other herbicidal weed management treatments. Therefore, farmers of arid zones can be advised to apply oxyfluorfen 200 g/ha at 8 DAS to manage wild onion in cumin to increase seed yield.