Abstract Field experiments were conducted in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) using three herbicides (oxadiazon, pendimethalin and fluchloralin) applied at different rates and by different methods alongside hand hoed, weedy and weed‐free control plots. Pre‐planting incorporation of fluchloralin at 1.5 kg a.i./ha and pre‐emergence application of oxadiazon at 1.0–2.0 kg a.i./ha, with pendimethalin at 1.0–2.0 kg a.i./ha controlled the major weeds (Echinochloa colonum (L.) Link and Trianthema monogyna L.) effectively and gave rise to a significantly higher pod yield than the weedy control. Oxadiazon and pendimethalin required higher doses to achieve control of the weeds, when incorporated before planting.