Growth and Development of Florida Beggarweed (Desmodium tortuosum) Selections

Abstract

Florida beggarweed seeds were collected in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina from plants differing in morphological characteristics. Seedlings were transplanted into peanut rows in field studies at Tifton, GA, and Jay, FL, in 1986 and 1987, and frequent observations of vegetative and reproductive characteristics were made. The competitiveness of the Florida beggarweed selections was evaluated by comparing pod weights from peanut plants grown in rows adjacent to the individual weed selections with pod weights of weed-free peanuts. There were significant differences among selections of Florida beggarweed in days to maximum height, maximum node formation, maximum branching, and initial flowering and fruiting at both locations. Selection GA-1 generally reached these growth stages earliest, was shorter, narrower, had fewer nodes, and produced less dry matter and fewer seeds than GA-2, which was generally the latest maturing selection. GA-4 produced fewer branches and smaller seeds than the other selections. Peanut pod weights adjacent to Florida beggarweed plants were reduced 12 to 18% in 1986 and 10 to 24% in 1987 compared to weed-free checks. Florida beggarweed selection GA-2 was the most competitive and GA-4 was among the least competitive both years. The variation of measured parameters among Florida beggarweed selections in this study may contribute to the survival and adaptability of this weed with changing environmental conditions, cultural practices, and control measures.