Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a major global crop, with India being the second-largest producer. The introduction of Bt cotton has revolutionized cultivation, but weeds remain a persistent challenge to productivity. This review discusses the impact of weeds on cotton yield and explores various agronomic interventions for effective weed management. Weeds significantly reduce cotton yield by competing for essential resources such as water, nutrients, sunlight, and space. They also act as hosts for pests and diseases further diminishing crop health and fiber quality. The critical window for managing weeds in cotton lasts for 11 to 12 weeks, starting one to two weeks post crop emergence, as neglecting weed control during this time can lead to significant yield losses, ranging from 10 to 90%. Various weed management strategies are discussed, including preventive measures (e.g., clean cultivation, weed-free seeds), cultural practices (e.g., crop rotation, intercropping), mechanical methods (e.g., hoeing, inter-row cultivation), and chemical interventions (e.g., herbicides). Each method has its advantages and limitations, necessitating an integrated approach for sustainable weed management. This review concludes that an integrated weed management approach, combining multiple strategies tailored to specific agro-ecological conditions, is crucial for effective weed control in cotton. Future research should focus on weed modeling to predict weed emergence patterns and develop precise weed control thresholds. Additionally, exploring methods to enhance crop competitiveness through cultivar selection, row spacing optimization, and irrigation/fertilization management can further improve weed management outcomes in cotton production.
