Investigating the Morphophysiological Indices of Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) in Competition with Corn (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

In order to study the morphophysiological characteristics of lambsquarters in competition with corn, an experiment was conducted in Varamin, Iran in 2012. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications and factorial arrangement. The experimental treatments included the relative time of lambsquarters emergence (same time emergence with corn, in the 2-3 stage corn and 5-6 leaves of corn), and total  lambsquarters density (5, 10 and 15 plants per meter row equals 6.6, 13.3 and 20 Plant per square meter). Also, with the same treatment combination, lambsquarters were cultivated in pure and non-competitive conditions. The results showed that the delay in the time of lambsquarters emergence reduced its competitive ability against corn. Investigating the effects of competition on height, leaf area and final dry matter accumulation, it was found that the height difference did not differ significantly between the competition and monoculture (with the exception of emergence in 5-6 leaves, which showed a decrease of 24%) and in contrast to other traits, there was a significant difference between them and the highest level of leaf and dry matter was observed at the same time. So that emergence in 5-6 leaves of corn, reduced 63 and 60 percent of maximum leaf area and total dry matter in competition and 40 and 51 percent in monoculture mode compared with same time emerging with lambsquarters.