Degree Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
1989
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Agronomy
First Advisor
J. H. Dekker
Second Advisor
T. W. Jurik
Abstract
The role of competition for light in interference between velvetleaf and soybean was evaluated at the whole plant and canopy levels in field and greenhouse studies conducted from 1986 to 1988 at Ames, Iowa. Analysis of deWit replacement series results indicated that interference between velvetleaf and soybean did not occur early in the growing season when individual plants were fairly widely separated. However, as canopy closure occurred, velvetleaf gained resources at the expense of soybean and, thereby, reduced the vegetative and reproductive growth of the crop. The presence of verticillium wilt disease in velvetleaf reduced its ability to interfere with soybean. Velvetleaf has several attributes that enhance its ability to compete with soybean for light. These include a rapid early growth rate; rapid, extensive stem growth which leads to a tall stature; and a branching pattern that situates much of the leaf area near the top of the plant, above the leaves of shorter competing species. Additionally, active leaf movements which improve the water use efficiency, light interception, and photosynthetic activity of velvetleaf (and concomitantly increase shading of associated shorter species) also contribute to its greater ability to compete for light.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.31274/rtd-180813-8898
Publisher
Digital Repository @ Iowa State University, http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/
Copyright Owner
Williiam Charles Akey
Copyright Date
1989
Language
en
Proquest ID
AAI8920106
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
90 pages
Recommended Citation
Akey, Williiam Charles, "The role of competition for light in interference between velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) and soybean (Glycine max) " (1989). Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 8909.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/rtd/8909