The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of hairy beggarticks (Bidens pilosa L.) and arrowleaf sida (Sida rhombifolia L.) densities and relative emergence time, on the degree of interference they may cause on soybeans. There were studies carried out under two conditions in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, in 1998/99 and 1999/00. The factors tested were weed species, emergence times, and weed densities. Weed-soybean associations occurred during the vegetative period of the crop. In pot assays, five weed emergence times were evaluated (11, 7, and 2 days before, and 4 and 8 days after soybean emergence). In microplot assays, three weed emergence times were compared in relation to soybeans (4 days before, at the same day, and 4 days after) and six weed densities (0, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 plants m-2). It was found that weed relative emergence time, in relation to soybeans, modifies competitive relations between these species, and that beggarticks performs greater competition effects on soybean and is less affected by the crop than is sida. Delay in soybean emergence in relation to weeds increases the negative effects of these species on the crop, which are potentialized by increase in weed density, mainly in presence of beggarticks.
Bidens pilosa; Sida rhombifolia; competition hability; plant characteristics
