Interference of shattercane (Sorghum bicolor) with corn (Zea mays) in herbicide-treated soil

• Published in: Applied agricultural research (USA) Vol. 5; no. 4
• Main Authors: Camacho, R.F. (Central Luzon State University, Nueva Ecija, Phillipines), Moshier, L.J, Devlin, D.L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 1990
• Subjects: HERBICIDAS; HERBICIDE; RENDEMENT; RENDIMIENTO; SORGHUM BICOLOR; TRAITEMENT DU SOL; TRATAMIENTO DEL SUELO; ZEA MAYS
• ISSN: 0179-0374

The reduction in corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield caused by shattercane [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] was predicted by linear equations developed from regression analysis of data from herbicide-treated plots at an east-central Kansas location over a 2-year period. Equations, which included shattercane density or dry matter (X) predicted an average corn yield (Y) decrease of 6.2 and 8.2 kg/ha for each shattercane plant/m2 at 4 and 8 weeks, respectively, and 86 kg/ha for each 100 g of shattercane dry matter/m2. Relative yield losses were 6 and 9% for each 100 shattercane plants/m2 at 4 and 8 weeks, respectively, and 10% for each l00 g shattercane dry matter/m2 at 8 weeks. Measurements of shattercane density in an infested field and inclusion of that data in the yield loss equation derived from density measurements in this study allows estimation of the potential yield loss in a particular field. A manager then can compare economic values of the potential lost yield and the cost of a postemergence herbicide application to decide if a treatment is justified