Competitive Effects of Hybrid Corn (Zea mays) on Replanted Corn

Abstract

Initial corn (IC) in a replant situation, which is surviving corn from the initial planting, as well as volunteer corn from the previous season, is a competitive weed, but little is known regarding the effect of IC density on grain yield of desirable replant corn (RC). Field trials were established in central and northeast Missouri during 2008 to 2010 to determine the impact of IC on the leaf chlorophyll, stalk diameter, and grain yield of RC. Glyphosate-resistant RC was planted in 76-cm rows, with hybrid glyphosate-resistant IC established for season-long competition between rows at densities of 0 to 8 plants m−2. At vegetative growth stages with six and eight leaf collars and at tasseling (V6, V8, VT), RC leaf nitrogen levels were reduced by 5 to 30% in the presence of IC at densities of one to eight plants m−2compared with control plants lacking competition. Stalk diameters of RC at the VT growth stage were reduced from 8 to 30% by IC as densities increased from 0.5 to 8 plants m−2. Grain yield of row corn was reduced by IC, with yield losses ranging from 7 to 81%. Growth rate and biomass accumulation of hybrid and volunteer corn from V2 to VT were compared in the greenhouse to determine if competitive potential was similar. The second filial generation (F2) of corn from hybrid (DKC ‘63-42′) corn was collected from a field in central Missouri and southeastern Nebraska. There were no statistical differences found in growth rate or biomass accumulation between hybrid and F2corn up to VT, although F2plant biomass was numerically (up to 41%) lower at numerous growth stages. Hybrid corn is likely to be equally or more competitive with RC than volunteer corn. This research documents that in areas where IC remains among replanted corn, the IC has a negative impact at all densities evaluated.