Although cassava is a major agribusiness crop in Paraná, technical information related to weed interference in this crop is limited. This work aimed to evaluate the critical period of weed interference (PCPI) in cassava (var. Fécula Branca), for local climate and soil under northwestern Paraná conditions. The experiment was constituted of two groups: the first with increasing periods of weed interference (PAI) and the second with increasing periods without weed interference (PTPI). Main weed species in the area were identified and accounted for densities and relative importance (RI) during the cycle; crop stand and commercial root yield were also evaluated. The highest RI values were found for Cenchrus echinatus and Brachiaria decumbens. Considering a tolerance of 5% of crop yield reduction, the adjusted PAI was 18 days after crop planting and PTPI was 100 days. Thus, it was concluded that the critical period of weed interference, under the northwestern Parana conditions, was from 18 to 100 days after planting.
Boltzmann; Gompertz; weed interference
