Author
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Anderson, Randal |
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Submitted to: Western Society of Weed Science Research Reports
Publication Type: Research Notes Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2012 Publication Date: 3/12/2012 Citation: Anderson, R.L. 2012. Differences in weed seedling emergence is not involved in pea synergism to corn. Western Society of Weed Science Research Reports. p. 90-91. (Research Note) Interpretive Summary: A population-based approach to weed management can reduce the need for herbicides or tillage in crop production. One component of this approach is reducing impact of weed interference on crop yield. This study showed that dry pea improves corn tolerance to an indicator weed species, foxtail millet. Corn yield loss due to millet interference was two-fold higher following soybean than following dry pea. Even with weed-free conditions, corn yielded more following dry pea than soybean. Crop diversity has enabled producers to develop the population-based approach to weed management. Producers can further improve weed management by emphasizing crop sequences the enhance tolerance to weeds. Technical Abstract: We have observed the dry pea is synergistic to corn and improves its tolerance to weeds. We are examining various aspects of this interaction between dry pea and corn to understand this natural benefit. This study compared the impact of soybean and dry pea on corn growth and tolerance to foxtail millet interference. We monitored foxtail millet seedling emergence weekly for the first 12 weeks of the corn growing season. We also quantified foxtail millet biomass 7 weeks after corn emergence. Corn yielded 11% and 102% more in weed-free and weed-infested conditions, following dry pea compared with soybean. Foxtail millet seedling emergence and biomass in corn did not vary with preceding crop. Apparently, other factors must be involved in this unique interaction between dry pea and corn. Synergism may help producers control weeds in crops with less herbicides. |
