Interference and Temperature Effects on Growth of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), Spurred Anoda (Anoda cristata), and Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

Abstract
Effects of temperature and interference were examined in a replacement series experiment with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. 'Stoneville 213′), spurred anoda Anoda cristata (L.) Schlecht. # ANVCR), and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic. # ABUTH). Plants were grown in controlled-environment greenhouses at day/night temperatures of 32/23 or 26/17 C, and harvested 14 or 39 days after planting. Height, dry weight, and leaf area at both harvests, and dry matter production and leaf area duration for the harvest interval were significantly greater in all species at 32/23 C than at 26/17 C. Interference reduced the dry weight per plant and leaf area at day 39, and dry matter production for the harvest interval. Cotton was somewhat superior to both weeds as a competitor at 32/23 C, while spurred anoda was somewhat superior to cotton and velvetleaf at 26/17 C.