Size-Dependent Economic Thresholds for Three Broadleaf Weed Species in Soybeans

Abstract

Soybean seed yield losses due to interference from common cocklebur, velvetleaf, and jimsonweed, with and without a PPI application of 0.42 kg ai ha-1metribuzin, were determined in 1986, 1987, and 1988. Damage functions were calculated based on weed density, weed leaf density, and relative weed leaf area index, respectively. Functions relating crop yield losses to weed density varied significantly among treatments and years for each species. Weeds which escaped soil-applied metribuzin were shorter with fewer leaves at 3 wk after planting, and caused lower crop yield losses than control plants at equal densities. Yield loss estimates based upon relative weed leaf area at 3 wk after planting showed least variation between years and treatments.