Author
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Webster, Theodore |
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Submitted to: International Weed Science Congress
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2008 Publication Date: 6/23/2008 Citation: Webster, T.M. 2008. Crop type affects Commelina benghalensis (Benghal dayflower) growth [abstract]. Proceedings of the 5th International Weed Science Congress, June 23-27, 2008, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. Paper No. 311, p. 126. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Commelina benghalensis, an exotic invasive weed in the Southern US, has become one of the most troublesome weeds of agronomic crops in Georgia. Field studies were conducted between 2005 and 2007 to determine if corn allowed for more C. benghalensis growth than the other crops and evaluate the reproductive potential of this weed when competing with standard agronomic crops. Corn was planted approximately one month prior to broadleaf crops (cotton, peanut, and soybean), a typical pattern in Georgia. One month following broadleaf crop planting, 12 C. benghalensis plants were transplanted at the cotyledon stage in each plot; this timing coincides with peak emergence in naturalized populations of C. benghalensis. Differences in C. benghalensis growth among the crop types and harvest times were observed. Peanut permitted the most C. benghalensis growth of any of the crops, with double the plant width and number of aerial spathes, and greater leaf area and leaf biomass relative to cotton and corn. Soybean permitted the least growth, with less than a quarter of the plant width, number of aerial and subterranean spathes, leaf area and leaf biomass of cotton, corn, and peanut. Corn did not appear to permit greater weed growth in the crop. While C. benghalensis growth was greatest in peanut, this crop has a number of herbicide tools that can be used to effectively manage this species. In contrast, cotton does not permit as much C. benghalensis growth as peanut, however herbicide tools are limited. |
