Competitive relationship of caulflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. Botrytis) and nettle-leaved goosefoot (Chenopodium murale L.) and their differential responses to potassium level

• Published in: Journal of plant nutrition Vol. 33; no. 12-14; pp. 2135 - 2147
• Main Author: Qasem, J.R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: application rate; Brassica oleracea var. botrytis; cauliflower; Chenopodium murale; crop production; crop quality; crop yield; crop-weed competition; nutrient requirements; nutrient uptake; plant density; plant growth; plant nutrition; potassium; potassium fertilizers; weed biology; weed control; Jordan
• ISSN: 0190-4167; 1532-4087

Growth and competitive abilities of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis cv. 'White Cloud') and nettle-leaved goosefoot (Chenopodium murale L.) were investigated under glasshouse conditions. The two species responded differently to a reduction in potassium (K) levels in the medium. Growth of C. murale was reduced while that of cauliflower increased with reduced K levels. At 0.125 mM K, average reduction in shoot dry weight of C. murale grown in pure and mixed stands was 35% and 58%, respectively. Average competition indices and relative competitive ability indices were higher for cauliflower than for C. murale. In a replacement series design, cauliflower showed higher shoot dry weight at high and low K levels in the medium than that of C. murale. Relative yield total (RYT) was > 1 indicating differences in species demand for K and would suggest possible control of the weed by managing the applied K level in the field.