Effect of Corn (Zea mays) Population on the Growth of Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)

Abstract

Increasing the corn (Zea maysL. “CO-OP S265”) population from 33 300 to 133 300 plants per hectare in the field significantly reduced yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentusL. # CYPES) above-ground biomass, tuber number, tuber weight and yellow nutsedge height at the end of growing season, and significantly increased corn yield. Photosynthetically active radiation below corn canopies decreased with increasing corn population and corresponded to reductions in yellow nutsedge above-ground biomass, tuber weight and tuber number. These results demonstrate that available light is a major factor in yellow nutsedge competition with corn. The size of yellow nutsedge was also reduced at high corn densities. These results support the use of crop manipulation in an integrated yellow nutsedge management system in corn.