Initial production of ora-pro-nóbis under influence of weeds

Resumo

The ora-pro-nóbis crop has agricultural potential but little information regarding cropping practices are available. More information about the interference of weeds on ora-pro-nóbis is needed. The objective of this work was to study the initial growth and development of ora-pro-nóbis under the interference of common weeds. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with five treatments, composed of ora-pro-nóbis in competition with four weed species: slender amaranth (Amaranthus viridis), hairy beggarticks (Bidens pilosa L.), tropical spiderwort (Commelina benghalensis), purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.), and a weed-free control, with six replicates. Number of leaves, number and length of secondary branches, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll, dry weight of leaves, branches and roots, total nitrogen, crude protein, crude fiber, and total ash were evaluated. Weed competition led to a decrease in growth and development of ora-pro-nóbis, reflected in reduction of up to 40% in yield and 23% in protein content