Common Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) Competition in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

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Abstract
Experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of various densities of bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. ♯ CYNDA] in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘Stoneville 213’) during the initial and second seasons following grass establishment and to evaluate bermudagrass competition in three cotton row spacings. During the season of grass establishment, densities of 1 to 16 plugs/7.5 m of cotton row had minimal effects on yield. Established, perennated bermudagrass was much more competitive. During second-season competition, 1 plug/7.5 m had formed a 76% ground cover and reduced yields by 600 kg/ha (25%) or more. The highest densities reduced yields 60 to 80%. In separate experiments, a cotton row spacing of 0.5 m reduced bermudagrass ground cover compared to 1.5 m row spacing.