Morphophysiological characteristics of wheat cultivars define their capacity to compete naturally with weed plants. The objective of this study was to quantify variations in emergence time, growth and initial development of wheat cultivars with different cycles and plant heights. This greenhouse experiment was arranged in a completely randomized experimental design, with three replications at the Universidade Federal de Pelotas, in 2006. Treatments consisted of seven wheat cultivars; BRS Guatambu; BRS Tarumã; BRS Timbaúva; BRS Camboatá; BRS Buriti; CD 105; BRS Camboim, and two weed plants, turnip and Italian ryegrass. Emergence time of the cultivars and weed plants was evaluated up to 10 days after sowing. Plant height was determined at 10, 20 and 35 days after emergence (DAE) and development stage at 20 and 35 DAE. Leaf area was measured at 35 DAE as well as dry matter of the aerial parts and roots, with data being submitted to analysis of variance and means compared by the Duncan test. Among the characteristics of the wheat cultivars evaluated, cycle duration and plant height did not affect emergence time with cultivars BRS Guatambu, BRS Timbaúva and BRS Camboim, presenting the highest competitive potential at the beginning of the cycle and BRS Tarumãt showing the lowest means for the morphological variables.
Triticum aestivum; genotypes; weed; development cycle
