Hairy Nightshade Critical Interference Period in Potatoes

Abstract

Field research trials were conducted in Idaho at the Aberdeen Research and Extension Center in 2006 and 2007 to determine the critical interference period of hairy nightshade in potatoes. ‘Russet Norkotah’ variety was planted both years in plots three rows wide by 12 m long. When the potatoes had emerged, one- to two-leaf hairy nightshade plants that had been germinated and grown in the greenhouse were transplanted at a 2 m−1row density and allowed to grow for 10, 20, 30, or 40 d after emergence (DAE) before removal, or the potatoes were maintained weed-free for 0, 10, 20, 30, or 40 DAE before transplanting. Potatoes were harvested from the center row at the end of each growing season and yield and grade was determined. Russet Norkotah is a small-canopied potato variety and often does not completely close canopy in Idaho. Russet Norkotah U.S. No. 1 and total tuber yield were similar to weed-free yield when hairy nightshade transplanting was delayed up to 22 or 24 DAE, respectively, or planted at emergence and allowed to remain for only 6 or 11 d, respectively. Otherwise, yield decrease was 5% or greater. Therefore, the critical weed-free period for Russet Norkotah potato U.S. No. 1 or total tuber yields was 6 to 22 or 11 to 24 DAE, respectively.