Sunflower (Helianthus annum) and Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) Interference in Sugarbeets (Beta vulgaris)

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Abstract
Intraspecific interference of populations of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic), as well as interspecific populations of these two broadleaf weeds, in sugarbeets (Beta vulgaris L. ‘Mono Hy D2′) was determined in 2-yr field experiments. Sunflower was more competitive in sugarbeets than was velvetleaf. At densities of 6, 12, 18, and 24 sunflower plants/30 m of row, root yields were reduced 40, 52, 67, and 73%, respectively. At the same densities of velvetleaf, root yields were reduced only 14, 17, 25, and 30%, respectively. Interspecific interference of these two broadleaf weeds at the same densities reduced root yields 19, 36, 43, and 56%, respectively. The minimum number of weeds required/30 m of row to reduce sugarbeet root yields was predicted to be 1 for sunflower, 9 to 12 for velvetleaf, and 2 to 7 for an equal population of sunflower and velvetleaf.