Velvetleaf Density Research Articles

Modeling of imazethapyr dose and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti medik) density interaction on red bean (Phaseolus calcaratus L.) and velvetleaf competition

Background Redbean (Phaseolus calcaratus L.) is cultivated as an economic crop in the Mazandaran Province, Iran. Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) competes severely with red bean growth and reduces yield. Imazethapyr is a selective herbicide recommended for management of grasses and dicotyledonous weeds in different crops including beans. Objectives This research was conducted to develop an empirical model of red bean yield that incorporates the dose-responses of imazethapyr and velvetleaf densities. Methods Modeling of imazethapyr herbicide dose on red bean [...]

Interaction of dicamba, fluthiacet-methyl, and glyphosate for control of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) in dicamba/glyphosate–resistant soybean

AbstractVelvetleaf is an economically important weed in agronomic crops in Nebraska and the United States. Dicamba applied alone usually does not provide complete velvetleaf control, particularly when velvetleaf is taller than 15 cm. The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the interaction of dicamba, fluthiacet-methyl, and glyphosate applied alone or in a mixture in two- or three-way combinations for velvetleaf control in dicamba/glyphosate–resistant (DGR) soybean and to evaluate whether velvetleaf height (≤12 cm or ≤20 cm) at the time of herbicide application influences herbicide efficacy, velvetleaf density, biomass, and soybean yield. Field experiments were conducted near Clay Center, NE in 2019 and 2020. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot with velvetleaf height (≤12 cm or ≤20 cm) as the main plot treatment and herbicides as subplot treatment. Fluthiacet provided ≥94% velvetleaf control 28 d after treatment (DAT) and ≥96% biomass reduction regardless of application rate or velvetleaf height. Velvetleaf control was 31% to 74% at 28 DAT when dicamba or glyphosate was applied alone to velvetleaf ≤20 cm tall compared with 47% to 100% control applied to ≤12-cm-tall plants. Dicamba applied alone to ≤20-cm-tall velvetleaf provided <75% control and <87% biomass reduction 28 DAT compared with ≥90% control with dicamba at 560 g ae ha−1 + fluthiacet at 7.2 g ai ha−1 or glyphosate at 1,260 g ae ha−1. Dicamba at 280 g ae ha−1 + glyphosate at 630 g ae ha−1 applied to ≤20-cm-tall velvetleaf resulted in 86% control 28 DAT compared with the expected 99% control. The interaction of dicamba + fluthiacet + glyphosate was additive for velvetleaf control and biomass reduction regardless of application rate and velvetleaf height.

Control of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) at two heights with POST herbicides in Nebraska popcorn

AbstractVelvetleaf is an economically important weed in popcorn production fields in Nebraska. Many PRE herbicides in popcorn have limited residual activity or provide partial velvetleaf control. There are a limited number of herbicides applied POST in popcorn compared with field corn, necessitating the evaluation of POST herbicides for control of velvetleaf. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the efficacy and crop safety of labeled POST herbicides for controlling velvetleaf that survived S-metolachlor/atrazine applied PRE and (2) determine the effect of velvetleaf height on POST herbicide efficacy, popcorn injury, and yield. Field experiments were conducted in 2018 and 2019 near Clay Center, Nebraska. The experiments were arranged in a split-plot design with four replications. The main plot treatments were velvetleaf height (≤15 cm and ≤30 cm) and subplot treatments included a no-POST herbicide control, and 11 POST herbicide programs. Fluthiacet-methyl, fluthiacet-methyl/mesotrione, carfentrazone-ethyl, dicamba, and dicamba/diflufenzopyr provided greater than 96% velvetleaf control 28 d after treatment (DAT), reduced velvetleaf density to fewer than 7 plants m−2, achieved 99% to 100% biomass reduction, and had no effect on popcorn yield. Herbicide programs tested in this study provided greater than 98% control of velvetleaf 28 DAT in 2019. Most POST herbicide programs in this study provided greater than 90% control of up to 15 cm and up to 30 cm velvetleaf and no differences between velvetleaf heights in density, biomass reduction, or popcorn yield were observed, except with topramezone and nicosulfuron/mesotrione 28 DAT in 2018. On the basis of contrast analysis, herbicide programs with fluthiacet-methyl or dicamba provided better control than herbicide programs without them at 28 DAT in 2018. It is concluded that POST herbicides are available for control of velvetleaf up to 30-cm tall in popcorn production fields.

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) productivity in competitive conditions

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) is an invasive alien species in many countries and one of the major weeds in summer row crops worldwide. Weed-management techniques that reduce weed production need to be investigated to provide new approaches. The first step in this process is the determination of weed productivity in different competitive conditions. Field experiments were conducted in 2006 and 2008 in an experimental field in Padinska Skela to quantify growth and seed production of velvetleaf in maize, as well as in a velvetleaf monoculture. A density of velvetleaf ranging from 1 to 8 plants m-1 was artificially created. In a mixture with maize, velvetleaf was sown in crop rows. The growth of velvetleaf was estimated based on plant height, fresh aboveground biomass and leaf area index (LAI). Velvetleaf fecundity was determined as seed mass plant-1 and seed mass m-2. Differences between years in plant production were very prominent. In general, velvetleaf productivity in maize depended on its density. Intraspecific competition had a major influence on growth and seed production when velvetleaf density was from 4 to 8 plants m-1 in maize rows. This information indicates that environmental conditions and weed density can promote/reduce inter- and intraspecific competition and help in the construction of population dynamics models to predict population density, seed bank and competitiveness of weeds and reduce inputs for weed management.

Growth Analysis of Cotton in Competition with Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

Field experiments were conducted in 2013 and 2014 to determine the influence of velvetleaf densities of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 plants m−1of row on cotton growth and yield. The relationship between velvetleaf density and seed cotton yield was described by the hyperbolic decay regression model, which estimated that a density of 0.44 to 0.48 velvetleaf m−1of row would result in a seed cotton yield loss of 50%. Velvetleaf remained taller and thicker than cotton throughout the growing season. Both cotton height and stem diameter reduced with increasing velvetleaf density. Moreover, velvetleaf interference delayed cotton maturity, especially at velvetleaf densities of 1 to 8 plants m−1of row, and cotton boll number and weight, seed numbers per boll, and lint percentage were also reduced. Fiber quality was not influenced by weed density when analyzed over 2 yr; however, fiber length uniformity and micronaire were adversely affected in 2014. Velvetleaf intraspecific competition resulted in density-dependent effects on weed biomass, ranging from 97 to 204 g plant−1dry weight. Velvetleaf seed production per plant or per square meter was indicated by a logarithmic response. At a density of 1 plant m−1of cotton row, velvetleaf produced approximately 20,000 seeds m−2. The adverse impact of velvetleaf on cotton growth and development identified in this study have indicated the need for effective management of this species when the weed density is greater than 0.25 to 0.5 plant m−1of row and before the weed seed maturity.

Competition of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti M.) weed with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Economic damage threshold

The effect of the weed Abutilon theophrasti M. (common name: velvetleaf) on the growth of cotton grown in the Guadalquivir Valley, was studied by examining the influence of weed density on growth of the weed and that of cotton. Velvetleaf impeded normal cotton growth caused production losses as a result of the stress the cotton was subjected to. Additionally there was competition among velvet leaf plants at high velvet leaf densities. The influence of velvetleaf density in coexistence with cotton has been also studied evaluating weed effect on the biomass of cotton and its production. Additional determinations included the velvetleaf seed production capacity per unit area and seed production per plant. These determinations were adjusted to hyperbolic, inverse linear and logistic models. Last, the economic damage threshold (EDT) was calculated using the efficiency level in control of velvetleaf in cotton. In this calculation the treatment cost and losses caused by the weed, in the crop, were taken into account. The EDT varied between 0.1 and 0.5 velvetleaf plant m-2, depending on the control methods used.

Corn–Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) Interference Is Affected by Sublethal Doses of Postemergence Herbicides

Injury to weeds from sublethal doses of POST herbicides may reduce the effect of weed interference on crop yield. Information on how herbicide dose influences weed mortality, growth, and seed production is needed to assess the potential benefit of applying reduced herbicide doses. Field experiments were conducted at Mead, NE, in 2001 and 2002 to quantify velvetleaf mortality, growth, and corn–velvetleaf interference in response to varying doses of three POST herbicides. Untreated velvetleaf at six densities (0, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 20 plants m−1corn row) was grown in mixture with corn to establish a baseline corn–velvetleaf interference relationship. Treated velvetleaf at a density of 20 plants m−1row received one of five doses of dicamba, halosulfuron, or flumiclorac. Untreated velvetleaf height, biomass, and seed capsule production were greater in 2002 than 2001 and declined with increasing velvetleaf density in both years. Corn yield was not affected by untreated velvetleaf in 2001, but yield loss increased with increasing velvetleaf density in 2002. Mortality of herbicide-treated velvetleaf was 56% greater in 2001 than 2002 and increased with increasing herbicide dose. Maximum height of treated velvetleaf was similar for all treatments in 2001 but declined with increasing herbicide dose in 2002. Biomass and seed production of treated velvetleaf varied among herbicides in 2002 and decreased with increasing dose. Corn yield was not influenced by velvetleaf in 2001, but yield loss in response to herbicide-treated velvetleaf declined with increasing herbicide dose in 2002. Results show that the assumption that weeds surviving herbicide application are as competitive as untreated weeds is incorrect. Reduction in growth and resource consumption by herbicide-damaged weeds reduced the negative effects of weeds on corn.

Annual weed competitiveness as affected by preemergence herbicide in corn

Competitiveness of weeds that survive a PRE herbicide application (escaped weeds) might be altered because of herbicide injury. As a result, potential crop yield loss may be reduced. Field experiments were conducted at Ashland Bottoms, KS, in 2001 and 2002 and at Rossville, KS, in 2002. The objectives were to quantify corn growth and yield response to Palmer amaranth or velvetleaf competition, with or without isoxaflutole (0.03 kg ha−1) or flumetsulam (0.04 kg ha−1) application, and to determine seed production of Palmer amaranth or velvetleaf as affected by PRE herbicide. Palmer amaranth and velvetleaf densities ranged from 0 to 6 and 0 to 32 plants m−1of corn row, respectively. At Ashland Bottoms in 2002, corn height at tasseling decreased with increasing Palmer amaranth (1.58 cm weed−1m−1) and velvetleaf (1.32 cm weed−1m−1) density when no herbicide was applied. With flumetsulam application, each increase in velvetleaf density reduced corn height by 0.4 cm. Escaped Palmer amaranth and velvetleaf were shorter than untreated plants at corn tasseling. At Rossville in 2002, Palmer amaranth that escaped isoxaflutole or flumetsulam application caused 13% corn yield loss (YL) at a density of 3 plants m−1. In contrast, corn YL from untreated Palmer amaranth at the same density was 30%. At Ashland Bottoms in 2002, velvetleaf that escaped flumetsulam caused 3% corn YL at a density of 3 plants m−1compared with 38% YL caused by untreated velvetleaf at the same density. Seed production of Palmer amaranth was independent of density or herbicide treatment, whereas production of velvetleaf seed increased with density, with or without flumetsulam. The study showed that corn YL from both Palmer amaranth and velvetleaf that escaped a PRE herbicide was less than from untreated weeds, but seed production by escaped weeds was similar to that of untreated weeds.

Are many little hammers effective? Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) population dynamics in two- and four-year crop rotation systems

To improve understanding of relationships between crop diversity, weed management practices, and weed population dynamics, we used data from a field experiment and matrix models to examine how contrasting crop rotations affect velvetleaf. We compared a 2-yr rotation system (corn–soybean) managed with conventional rates of herbicides with a 4-yr rotation (corn–soybean–triticale + alfalfa–alfalfa) that received 82% less herbicide. In November 2002, a pulse of velvetleaf seeds (500 seeds m−2) was added to 7- by 7-m areas within replicate plots of each crop phase–rotation system combination. Velvetleaf seed, seedling, and reproductive adult population densities, seed production, and seed losses to predators were measured during the next year. Velvetleaf seed production was greater in the 4-yr rotation than in the 2-yr rotation (460 vs. 16 seeds m−2). Averaged over 12 sampling periods from late May to mid-November 2003, loss of velvetleaf seeds to predators also was greater in the 4-yr rotation than in the 2-yr rotation (32 vs. 17% per 2 d). Modeling analyses indicated that velvetleaf density in the 4-yr rotation should decline if cumulative losses of seeds produced in the soybean phase exceeded 40%. Achieving such a level of predation appears possible, given the observed rates of velvetleaf seed predation. In addition, no tillage occurs in the 4-yr rotation for 26 mo after soybean harvest, thus favoring seed exposure on the soil surface to predators. Models that included estimates of seed predation indicated that to prevent increases in velvetleaf density, weed control efficacy in soybean must be ≥ 93% in the 2-yr rotation, but could drop to 86% in the 4-yr rotation. These results support the hypothesis that diverse rotations that exploit multiple stress and mortality factors, including weed seed predation, can contribute to effective weed suppression with less reliance on herbicides.

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) Interference and Seed Production in Corn Silage and Grain

Studies were conducted during a 2-yr period measuring corn silage and grain yield and velvetleaf seed production in response to velvetleaf density. Velvetleaf densities of 0, 2, 5, 10, and 21 plants/m2were established in conventionally tilled corn. The percent corn yield reduction in response to velvetleaf density was similar for both years despite differences in total corn yield. Corn grain and silage yield responded differently to velvetleaf interference. Although both were adversely affected, silage yield reductions were twice that of grain at the low velvetleaf densities. A hyperbolic yield model predicted a maximum yield loss for corn silage and grain of 36 and 37% with incremental losses of 7 and 3%, respectively, as velvetleaf density increased. Velvetleaf seed production ranged from 2,256 to 4,844 seed/m2from the lowest to the highest density. This study demonstrates that corn silage yield is more sensitive than corn grain yield to velvetleaf interference, as well as how crop value plays an important role in determining economic thresholds. Finally, this research confirms the prolific nature of velvetleaf and shows that even at low densities, velvetleaf seed production could affect weed control decisions for many seasons to come.

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) interference and seed production dynamics in cotton

Velvetleaf has been a major concern of Southern cotton growers, yet information on its competitiveness and seed production in cotton is lacking. Experiments were conducted in 1997 and 1998 at the Central Crops Research Station in Clayton, NC, to evaluate density-dependent effects of velvetleaf interference and seed production dynamics in conventional tillage cotton. Velvetleaf at densities of up to 3.5 plants m−1 of row did not influence cotton height until at least 4 wk after planting. Velvetleaf height increased as plant density increased throughout the season in 1997, but it was not affected until 9 wk after planting in 1998. Because of differences in environmental conditions, velvetleaf and cotton achieved maximum height later in 1998 than in 1997; however, velvetleaf seed production and cotton yields were higher in 1998 than in 1997 regardless of velvetleaf density. Velvetleaf density had no effect on the fresh weight, dry weight, and stem diameter of velvetleaf plants in 1997. But in 1998, all these parameters decreased significantly with increasing velvetleaf density. Velvetleaf seed production in 1998 was nearly twice that in 1997. Averaged over velvetleaf densities, the greatest number of seed were produced between nodes 6 and 20 in 1997 and between nodes 1 and 10 in 1998. In both years, cotton yield loss increased with velvetleaf density. Maximum yield loss was 84% at 3.5 velvetleaf plants m−1 of row. Yield losses of 5 and 10% were caused by 0.2 and 0.4 velvetleaf plants m−1 of row (1,930 and 4,110 plants ha−1), respectively, in 1997 and by 0.03 and 0.08 velvetleaf plants m−1 of row (360 and 850 plants ha−1), respectively, in 1998. To understand better the applicability of these results, we hypothesized that environmental variation caused differences in measured responses between 1997 and 1998. Therefore, kriging methods were used to fit correlations between observed rainfall and growing degree days (GDD) each year at the experiment site. Results based on climate data from 4 yr at 110 sites indicated that inference space was higher for GDD than for rainfall. The conditions observed at the experiment site in 1997 were deemed most appropriate for the recommendations made in the surrounding area.

Weed Control in Field Corn (Zea mays) with RPA 201772 Combinations with Atrazine and S-Metolachlor1

The premix atrazine 1 S-metolachlor is commonly used to control a wide range of weeds in corn, but it is weak on velvetleaf and several other broadleaf species. RPA 201772, used at reduced rates in combination with atrazine 1 S-metolachlor, may improve the weed control spectrum. In field studies at Urbana and Dekalb in 1998 and 1999, RPA 201772 was combined with a premix of atrazine at 1,820 g ai/ha and S-metolachlor at 1,408 g ai/ha to compare RPA 201772 rate effects on corn injury, weed control, and yield. RPA 201772 was applied at 0, 26, 53, 78, 105, and 132 g ai/ ha early preplant (EPP), preplant incorporated (PPI), and preemergence (PRE). Compared with at- razine 1 S-metolachlor alone, RPA 201772 combinations did not improve giant foxtail control. However, RPA 201772 at 26 or 53 g/ha increased control of redroot pigweed, common lambsquarters, ivyleaf morningglory, common ragweed, giant ragweed, and velvetleaf in some environments. At Urbana in both years, RPA 201772 at 26 g/ha in combination with atrazine 1 S-metolachlor increased velvetleaf control 15% compared with the premix alone. RPA 201722 at 26 to 78 g/ha decreased velvetleaf densities with all application methods. Greater weed control and higher corn yield occurred in treatments applied PRE or PPI compared with EPP applications, except where conditions were dry after PRE applications. This research demonstrates the benefit of RPA 201772 at low rates for broadleaf weed control with less potential for crop injury compared with high RPA 201772 rates. Nomenclature: RPA 201772 (proposed common name, isoxaflutole), 5-cyclopropyl isoxazol-4-yl-2- mesyl-4-trifluoromethylphenyl ketone; common lambsquarters, Chenopodium albumL. # 3 CHEAL; common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. # AMBEL; giant foxtail, Setaria faberi Herrm. # SETFA; giant ragweed, Ambrosia trifidaL. # AMBTR; ivyleaf morningglory, Ipomoea hederacea (L.) Jacq. # IPOHE; redroot pigweed, Amaranthus retroflexus L. # AMARE; velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti Medicus # ABUTH; corn, Zea mays L. Additional index words: HPPD inhibitor, isoxaflutole, reduced herbicide rates. Abbreviations: DAE, days after emergence; DAT, days after treatment; EPP, early preplant; PPI, preplant incorporated; PRE, preemergence.

Performance of INTERCOM for predicting corn–velvetleaf interference across north-central United States

Abstract Cost-effective weed management requires accurate estimates of yield and the potential yield loss resulting from weed infestations. However, crop yield and the effects of weeds are highly variable across years and locations. Ecophysiological models may be useful for predicting the effects of environment and management on crop and weed growth and competitive ability. Ability of the model INTERCOM to predict corn (Zea mays) growth and yield, velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) interference on corn yield loss, and single-year economic threshold velvetleaf density (Te) was evaluated using 13 data sets collected in four states. Predicted and observed monoculture corn total aboveground biomass and leaf area index were in close agreement for most of the growing season. Predicted and observed weed-free corn yields were in agreement for yields ranging from 8 to 13 Mg ha−1 but were over- and underpredicted under low-yielding and near-optimal production conditions, respectively. Predicted and observed corn yie...

Tolerance of tomato cultivars to velvetleaf interference

Field experiments were conducted in 1998 and 1999 at Five Points, CA, in the San Joaquin Valley under irrigated conditions to study competition between four commonly grown tomato cultivars and velvetleaf and to identify cultivar characteristics associated with greater tolerance to velvetleaf. The effect of velvetleaf competition varied with both year and tomato cultivar. When grown with 5 velvetleaf plants m−1 of row, marketable yield of tomato was reduced 8% in 1998 and 60% in 1999 for cultivar H8892 and 58% in 1998 and 80% in 1999 for cultivar H9661, compared to cultivars grown in monoculture. Across velvetleaf densities, height of tomato cultivars was not reduced compared to that of cultivars grown in monoculture. However in 1999, canopy width of tomato cultivars grown with velvetleaf was less than that of cultivars grown in monoculture. At early stages of growth, the leaf area index of tomato cultivars grown with velvetleaf was less than that of cultivars grown in monoculture. Crop growth rate and aboveground dry biomass of tomato cultivars grown with velvetleaf were generally less than those of cultivars grown in monoculture. Yield loss at high weed density was similar among cultivars, whereas yield loss at low weed density varied among cultivars. Cultivar tolerance to velvetleaf varied with year. However, cultivar H8892 had low yield loss and cultivar H9661 high yield loss at low weed density in 1998 and 1999. For cultivar H8892, leaf area expansion rate was also among the greatest for both years.

Response of velvetleaf demographic processes to herbicide rate

Abstract Field studies were conducted in 1995 and 1996 to determine the rate response of velvetleaf seedling survival, seed production, and shoot biomass to postemergence herbicides in corn and soybean. Dicamba and imazethapyr were applied to corn and soybean, respectively, at 1, ½, ¼, ⅛, 1/16, 1/32, and 0× labeled rates. Velvetleaf mature plant density was linearly related to seedling density, thus indicating that seedling survival was not density dependent, even after seedling densities exceeded 150 plants m−2. Seedling survival as influenced by herbicide was described by a dose–response curve in corn and soybean. In corn, seedling survival ranged from 0 to 48% across herbicide treatments and years. Seedling survival was greater at the ½× or lower herbicide rates than at the 1× rate. In soybean, maximum seedling survival was 61 and 14% in 1995 and 1996, respectively, and minimum seedling survival was less than 2% in each year. Seedling survival was less in 1996 than in 1995 because velvetleaf was infect...

Tolerance and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) suppressive ability of two old and two modern corn (Zea mays) hybrids

Improved crop tolerance and weed suppressive ability are tactics that may reduce the negative effect of weeds on crop yield. Irrigated field experiments were conducted to compare leaf area index (LAI), intercepted photosynthetic photon flux (PPF), and relative tolerance and velvetleaf suppressive ability among two old (circa 1940) and two modern corn hybrids. Each hybrid was grown in monoculture and in mixture with velvetleaf at 1, 4, 16, and 40 plants m−1row. Plants were periodically harvested in monoculture plots to obtain estimates of corn LAI, and PPF interception was measured. Variation in hybrid tolerance to velvetleaf competition for light was evaluated by comparing among hybrids the coefficients of a regression of corn yield loss on velvetleaf density. Velvetleaf seed capsule production in the presence of each hybrid was compared to evaluate variation in velvetleaf suppressive ability among hybrids. Maximum corn yield loss was 32% lower for the two old hybrids, and velvetleaf capsule production was reduced by 62% at low velvetleaf densities in 1995 compared to the modern hybrids. In 1996, yield loss of the modern hybrid 3394 was 74% lower than that of the other three hybrids at low velvetleaf densities, whereas maximum yield loss of the old hybrid 336 was 44% lower at high densities. Velvetleaf capsule production did not vary among hybrids at any velvetleaf density in 1996. Hybrids with greater tolerance and velvetleaf suppressive ability also had greater LAI and PPF interception, suggesting optimized corn LAI and PPF interception may be useful in an integrated weed management program.

Effect of Soil-Applied Atrazine and Pendimethalin on Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) Competitiveness in Corn

Field studies were conducted in 1992 and 1993 to determine the effect of atrazine and pendimethalin on velvetleaf competitiveness in corn. The three factors included in this research were herbicide, velvetleaf density (zero or nine plants per meter of row), and treatment (treated with herbicide or untreated). Herbicide treatments consisted of atrazine (0.6 and 1.1 kg/ha) or pendimethalin (0.6 and 1.1 kg/ha) applied preemergence. In 1992 and 1993, both atrazine and pendimethalin applied at 1.1 kg/ha greatly reduced velvetleaf growth and seed production and prevented velvetleaf from reducing corn yield. Both atrazine and pendimethalin applied at 0.6 kg/ha reduced velvetleaf growth and seed production in 1993, but only atrazine prevented yield loss in 1992. In the absence of velvetleaf, corn yield was not affected by either herbicide. These results indicate that sublethal exposure to atrazine or pendimethalin can significantly reduce velvetleaf competitiveness in corn.

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) Population Dynamics Following a Single Year's Seed Rain

At a northern Iowa location, populations of 145, 203, 62, and 37 velvetleaf plants/m2emerged in the four years following seed production by 0.4 velvetleaf plants/m2growing in soybean. Annual velvetleaf densities in areas with no seed input averaged less than 6 plants/m2. At a central Iowa location, verticillium wilt reduced velvetleaf seed production, resulting in an average increase of 9 plants/m2in the two years following seed production compared to the control treatment. This type of information is necessary to develop economic optimum thresholds, but the variability between locations demonstrates the difficulty in predicting crop and weed responses to management strategies implemented early in the growing season.

Stability of Corn (Zea mays)-Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) Interference Relationships

The crop-weed interference relationship is a critical component of bioeconomic weed management models. Multi-year field experiments were conducted at five locations to determine the stability of corn-velvetleaf interference relationships across years and locations. Two coefficients (I and A) of a hyperbolic equation were estimated for each data set using nonlinear regression procedures. The I and A coefficients represent percent corn yield loss as velvetleaf density approaches zero, and maximum percent corn yield loss, respectively. The coefficient I was stable across years at two locations, but varied across years at one location. The coefficient A did not vary across years within locations. Both coefficients, however, varied among locations. Results do not support the use of common coefficient estimates for all locations within a region.

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) Effect on Corn (Zea mays) Growth and Yield in South Dakota

Studies were conducted at two sites in South Dakota in 1992 and at one site in 1993 to measure the effect of velvetleaf on corn growth and yield. Velvetleaf was overseeded in corn rows and thinned to densities of 0, 1.3, 4, 12, and 24 plants/m2. Velvetleaf leaf area index and total biomass were positively correlated with velvetleaf density. Biomass per velvetleaf plant and corn biomass were correlated negatively with velvetleaf density. The percent corn yield reduction was similar for locations and years in spite of large yield differences. Maximum yield loss estimated by a hyperbolic yield reduction model was 37.2% with a loss of 4.4% per unit velvetleaf density.