Interference of Redstem Filaree (Erodium cicutarium) in Sugarbeet

Abstract

Redstem filaree is a troublesome weed for sugarbeet growers in northern Wyoming and southern Montana. Field studies were conducted in Powell, WY, in 2006 and 2008 to determine the influence of season-long interference of various redstem filaree densities and the duration of interference on sugarbeet. Root and sucrose yield decreased with increasing redstem filaree density. The rectangular hyperbola model with the asymptote (A) bounded at 100% maximum yield reduction characterized the relationship between redstem filaree density and sugarbeet yield reduction. The estimated parameterI(percent yield reduction per unit weed density as density approaches zero) was 5% for root and sucrose yield reduction. Sugarbeet root yield decreased as the duration of redstem filaree interference increased. The critical timing of redstem filaree removal to avoid 5 and 10% root yield reduction was estimated to be 25 and 32 d after sugarbeet emergence, respectively. Redstem filaree interference did not affect the sucrose content percentage. These results demonstrate that redstem filaree is competitive with sugarbeet and should be managed appropriately to reduce negative effects on yield.