Influence of soybean row width and velvetleaf emergence time on velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

Row spacing and the relative time of velvetleaf emergence affects the time of soybean canopy closure relative to velvetleaf, influencing the growth and development of velvetleaf. Field studies were conducted in northeastern Nebraska in 2002 and 2003 to describe velvetleaf growth as influenced by soybean presence or absence (velvetleaf grown with soybean or in monoculture), soybean row spacing (19 and 76 cm), and relative time of velvetleaf emergence. Velvetleaf seed production, leaf area (LA), and total dry matter (TDM) were greater in 76-cm- than in 19-cm-wide soybean rows. LA, TDM, and seed production of velvetleaf were reduced with later emergence times in both monoculture and with soybean. Velvetleaf LA, TDM, and seed production decreased when grown with soybean compared with when grown in monoculture. Practical implications of this study suggest that narrowing crop row spacing and controlling early-emerging velvetleaf in soybean can be an effective part of an integrated weed management strategy.