Competitiveness of flaxseed with weeds under different row spacings

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the weed competition with different spacings in the culture of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.). The experiment was conducted at the Campus of Unioeste-Cascavel, Paraná State, using the split-plot design in which the plots consisted of presence and absence of weeds and subplots consisted of row spacings (0.15, 0.30, and 0.45 m) with six replications. Plant height, number of capsules, stems and seeds per plant and yield (kg.ha-1) were determined. The increase of spacings between rows and the coexistence with the weed community were detrimental to production components of flaxseed.

Effect of Weeds and Seeding Rate on Some Growth Characteristics and Oil Content of Three Cultivars of Flax

“…The seed rate of 30 kg ha -1 gave the highest mean at 1.61 stem plant -1 , while the seed rate of 50 kg ha -1 gave the lowest mean of 1.02 stem plant -1 . These findings are consistent with [4,23] who found a significant decrease in the number of main stems per plant with increasing seed rate of flax.…”

“…One of the most significant problems facing this crop is the growth and spread of weeds in flax fields, which weakens its growth, reduces its productivity, and deteriorates its quality due to their intense competition for basic growth requirements such as light, nutrients, and water, as well as their allelopathic effect. The loss of seed yield due to weed competition can reach more than 50%, as flax is a weak competitor against weeds due to its slow growth in the early stages of its life and the small size of its vegetative mass [4]. The use of appropriate seed rates and cultivars with high competitiveness against weeds on available growth resources, and the integration between them, is considered an integrated weed management approach that weakens the growth of weeds and reduces their harmful effects on the growth, yield, and quality of the crop.…”