This work aimed to evaluate the initial growth of three species of weed considered as emerging problems for sugarcane crop: Neonotonia wightii, Stizolobium aterrimum, and Merremia cissoides. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design, with seven treatments and four repetitions for each species studied. Seven growth evaluations (treatments) were carried out every 15 days, totaling a 105 day-cycle, followed by the analysis of the variables, such as leaf area (Af) given in (cm² per plant). The sampled material was dried in an oven, with the dry mass (g per plant) of the roots (Mr), the shoot (Ma) and total (Mt) being measured. The biomass accumulation observed shows the high ability of S. aterrimum to produce biomass. At the end of the experiment, stabilization of the dry mass of the shoot (Ma) was observed for the three species, followed by the variable total dry mass (Mt) also showing stabilization at the end of the experiment. S. aterrimum presented the highest initial growth rate and total dry mass accumulation, besides the highest leaf area (Af). N. wightii presented slow initial growth, while M. cissoides showed a significant accumulation of total dry mass (Mt), compared with the other species.
growth analysis; biology; dry mass; leaf area
