Factors in the suppression of weeds by squash [Cucurbita moschata] interplanted in corn [Zea mays]
2007
Fujiyoshi, P.T.(University of California, Santa Cruz (USA)) | Gliessman, S.R. | Langenheim, J.H.
In order to examine the weed-suppressive properties of squash interplanted in corn, we compared different planting densities and weeding regimens, measuring the weed biomass, light interception by crop canopy, and yield. The corn was machine-planted at a normal monocrop density, while the squash was hand-planted at or above a normal monocrop density in an irrigated and otherwise mechanized system. A simulated intercrop consisting of corn with an artificial squash canopy was included. Interplanted squash reduced the biomass of the total weeds and of the dominant weeds, Amaranthus retroflexus and Convolvulus arvensis. The corn yield was not necessarily reduced in the intercrop, except at a higher squash density or under limited moisture. Shading by the squash was the major mechanism of weed suppression, but the analysis suggested that other factors, such as allelopathy, might contribute. Additional hand weeding had no effect on the corn yield.
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