Cultural practices
Normally, the crop is
kept free of weeds by 2-3 hand weedings and 1-2 hoeings. Pre-emergence
application of Fluchloralin (1-2 litres a.i. in 600-700 litres of water) or
Nitrofen (2kg a.i./ha) followed by a hand weeding 60 days after transplanting
effectively checks the weed population. If necessary, earthing up is done 30
days after transplanting. At the time of earthing up the plants are supported
with soil to avoid toppling of the plant during head formation.