Author(s):

R Iswarya, M Jawaharlal, S Subramanian and S Panneerselvam

Abstract: The study was conducted to identify the best groundcover for growing under the solar panels for effective weed control. The experiment was laid out in Factorial randomized block design with two factors and three replications. Groundcovers were planted in plots of size 2.0 m ×1.8 m and one plot is left as a control in the experimental area. The study revealed that among the different groundcovers evaluated Sphagneticola trilobata (Singapore daisy) registered a greater weed control and the weed count number in the experimental plots at 120 days after planting in the open condition (3.54) and under solar panels (3.37) respectively. It is imperative from the results that the species Sphagneticola trilobata, Lantana sellowiana, Setcreasea purpurea may be recommended for the management of weeds. The results are in relation with the plant spread values and the highest plant spread at 120 days after planting in the East-West (197cm) and (189.30 cm) was recorded by Sphagneticola trilobata in open and under panel conditions. The same treatment records the North-South spread (147.67cm) and (149.44cm) in open field and under panels at 120 days after planting. The physiological parameters recorded at 120 days after planting also reveals that the (T₁) records the highest value than the other treatments and are highly suitable for growing in both the environments with greater weed control.

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