Interference of Certain Broadleaf Weed Species in Soybeans (Glycine max)

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in 1979, 1980, and 1981 to determine the level of interference five broadleaf weed species exert on soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.]. Weed species studied were common cocklebur (Xanthium pensylvanicumWallr. ♯ XANST), common ragweed (Ambrosia artemesiifoliaL. ♯ AMBEL), common lambsquarters (Chenopodium albumL. ♯ CHEAL), sicklepod (Cassia obtusifoliaL. ♯ CASOB), and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexusL. ♯ AMARE). The following soybean seed yield reductions were observed with a density of 16 weeds/10-m row: redroot pigweed 22%, common lambsquarters 15%, common ragweed 12%, and sicklepod 5%, respectively. At a density of 8 weeds/10-m row, common cocklebur reduced soybean yield 11%. No single weed growth parameter predicted soybean seed yield reduction for all weed species. Soybean height was reduced by sicklepod competition; was not affected by competition from common lambsquarters, common ragweed, or common cocklebur; and was increased in the presence of redroot pigweed at 12 weeks after planting, when measured 30 cm from the weeds. Leaf area of soybean was higher at greater distances from the weed for all weed species. The range of soybean leaf area reductions occasioned by proximity to individual weed species corresponded fairly well with differences in soybean yield reduction.