Interference Periods of Weeds Infesting Maize Crop

When competing with crops, weeds interfere with their growth and consequently reduce grain yield. The purpose of this research was to determine the periods of interference; PIP (pre-interference period), TPWC (total period of weed control), and CPWC (critical period of weed control) of the weeds Alexandergrass (Urochloa plantaginea) and southern crabgrass (Digitaria ciliares) in maize. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications, in a no-tillage system. The treatments consisted in maintaining maize in the presence and absence of Alexandergrass and southern crabgrass for increasing periods of 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days after emergence (DAE). Southern crabgrass and Alexandergrass weeds originated from the soil seed bank with an average density of 215 and 87 plants m-2, respectively. At the end of each period, PIP or TPWC, the weed and crop dry biomass was determined. At 42 DAE, the height and stem diameter of maize plants were evaluated. At harvest 10 maize plants per experimental unit were evaluated for length of ears, number of rows per ear, and number of grains per row. Yield was measured by taking three central rows from each experimental unit. The results indicate that the PIP was 17 DAE, the TPWC was 32 DAE, and the CPWC was 17 to 32 DAE.