Distribution and Interference of Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) in Nebraska

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Abstract
Infestations of common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca L.), in descending order of incidence in Nebraska, occurred on areas occupied by soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], oats (Avena sativa L.), sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.], railroad rights-of-way, fallow land, roadsides, corn (Zea mays L.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), pasture, and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Average crop yield reductions, within common milkweed communities of 11100 to 45 200 plants/ha, ranged from 2 to 10% for corn, 4 to 29% for sorghum, and 12 to 19% for soybeans. Reductions in crop yields tended to increase with increasing common milkweed populations. Germination percentage of common milkweed and sorghum were not significantly affected by growing medium conductivities below 7 and 13 mmho/cm2, respectively. Growth media at pH 2 significantly reduced germination percentage, hypocotyl length, and radicle length of both common milkweed and sorghum as compared with pH 4 to 10. Undiluted aqueous extracts of common milkweed shoot and root material significantly reduced germination percentage, hypocotyl length, and radicle length of sorghum.