EFFECTS OF QUACK GRASS COMPETITION ON SILAGE CORN YIELD

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Abstract
Studies were conducted at Charlottetown, P.E.I., over 3 years to examine the effect of quack grass (Agropyron repens L. Beauv.) competition on silage corn (Zea mays L.) yield using the cultivar Pride R-102. Maintaining corn plots free from quack grass for 3 or 6 wk after emergence gave silage yields equal to plots kept weed-free all season at both light and heavy quack grass infestation levels. Quack grass competition from time of emergence of the crop resulted in significant yield reductions from 6 wk of competition at a light infestation level and from 3 wk of competition at a heavy infestation level. Weekly removal of quack grass all season or for 3 or 6 wk resulted in significant reduction in rhizome production at both levels of infestation. Delaying quack grass removal for 3, 6, and 10 wk after corn emergence resulted in more rhizome production except where control was delayed 3 wk. However, the late season control kept rhizome production below that of the no-control all-season treatment. Early control of quack grass was necessary for maximum silage yields. Quack grass which emerged later in the season had little effect on yield.

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