This research was undertaken to study the effects of intercropping some legume species with corn on the weed community and vice-versa. Cajanus cajan, Stilozobium aterrimum, Crotalaria spectabilis and Dolichos lablab were used as green legumes. The trial was carried out in the Cascavel region, Paraná state, Brazil. Monocropping com weed-free and monocropping corn without weeding were Compared with corn + green legumes intercropped and sowed at the same time, and corn + green legumes intercropped (legumes sowed 21 days after corn sowing). Brachiaria plantaginea was the main weed species in the experimental area. Corn shoot dry weight was reduced by weeds and green legumes when the component crops were sowed at the same time. Legumes shoot dry weight was higher when sowed 21 days after sowing corn. C. espectabilis was the worst green legume in the intercropping system and the Stilozobium aterrimum was the best one. The green legumes when sowed 21 days after corn reduced the weed infestation without affecting the corn plants or the corn grain yield.
Brachiaria plantaginea; Crotalaria spectabilis; Stilozobium aterrimum; Cajanus cajam; Dolichos lablab