ABSTRACT The study of competitive interactions between crops and weeds can be an important tool in integrated weed management. The objective of this work was to evaluate the competitive ability of maize hybrids in the presence of hairy beggarticks, testing different proportions of plants in the associations. For maize hybrids (Dekalb 230 PRO3, Pioneer 30F53 VYH, Brevant 2B433 PW, and Syngenta 505 VIP3) and for hairy beggarticks, the final density was 20 individuals pot-1, which was determined in preliminary experiments. Experiments were carried out on a substitutive series, on different combinations of the species, varying the relative proportions (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100%). The analysis of species competitiveness was performed using diagrams applied to the substitutive experiments and relative competitiveness indices. The maize hybrids showed less loss when reducing the morphological variables of the hairy beggarticks and demonstrated superiority in competitive ability in relation to the weed. Competition occurred between maize hybrids in the presence of hairy beggarticks, being negatively affected, regardless of the proportion of plants, causing reductions in plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, and dry mass. An average reduction of 10% and 86% of the MS of maize hybrids and weed was observed, respectively, when comparing the absence of competition with any associated densities, intraspecific competition being more harmful than interspecific. Maize hybrids and hairy beggarticks compete for the same environmental resources, with the crop being more competitive than the competitor.

RESUMO O estudo das interações competitivas entre espécies cultivadas e não cultivadas pode ser uma ferramenta importante no manejo integrado de plantas daninhas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a habilidade competitiva de híbridos de milho na presença do picão-preto, testando-se diferentes proporções de plantas nas associações. Tanto para os híbridos de milho (Dekalb 230 PRO3, Pioneer 30F53 VYH, Brevant 2B433 PW e Syngenta 505 VIP3) quanto para o picão-preto, a densidade final foi de 20 indivíduos vaso-1, determinada em experimentos preliminares. Após foram instalados ensaios em série de substituição, nas diferentes combinações das espécies, variando-se as proporções relativas (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 e 0:100%). A análise da competitividade das espécies foi efetuada por meio de diagramas aplicados a experimentos substitutivos e pelos índices de competitividade relativa. Os híbridos de milho apresentaram menor perda ao reduzirem as variáveis morfológicas do picão-preto e demonstraram superioridade na habilidade competitiva em relação a planta daninha. Ocorreu competição entre os híbridos de milho na presença do picãopreto, sendo afetados negativamente, independentemente da proporção de plantas, provocando reduções na estatura de plantas, diâmetro de caule, área foliar e massa seca. Observou-se redução média de 10 e 86% da MS dos híbridos de milho e da planta daninha, respectivamente ao se comparar a ausência de competição com qualquer das densidades associadas, sendo a competição intraespecífica mais prejudicial do que a interespecífica. Os híbridos de milho e o picão-preto competem pelos mesmos recursos do meio, sendo a cultura mais competitiva do que a planta daninha.

Abstract The objective of this work was to verify the correlations between carbon isotopic composition and traits of superior rice genotypes. Twenty genotypes were analyzed for morphology, micromorphology, anatomy, physiological performance, and carbon fingerprint. The plots consisted of 500 L plastic boxes sowed with rice, to allow of a plant density of 300 plants per square meter. Plant anatomy and physiological performance were evaluated using a microscope and an infrared gas analyzer, respectively. There is a correlation between rice water use efficiency (r = 0.45) and carboxylation efficiency (r = 0.39).

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar as correlações entre a composição isotópica de carbono e as características de genótipos superiores de arroz. Vinte genótipos foram analisados quanto à morfologia, à micromorfologia, à anatomia, ao desempenho fisiológico e à composição isotópica de carbono. As parcelas consistiram em caixas de plástico de 500 L com arroz semeado, para permitir a densidade de 300 plantas por metro quadrado. A anatomia e o desempenho fisiológico das plantas foram avaliados em microscópio e com analisador de gases por infravermelho, respectivamente. Há correlação entre a eficiência do uso da água do arroz (r = 0,45) e a eficiência da carboxilação (r= 0,39).

Resumen El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la capacidad competitiva de cultivares de frijol tipo carioca, BRS FC104, BRS FC402, IAC Imperador, IAC Milênio, IPR Tangará y SCS Riqueza, bajo niveles crecientes de infestación de Alexandergrass (Urochloa plantaginea). Los experimentos se realizaron en condiciones de invernadero en un diseño completamente al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Los tratamientos se organizaron en proporciones de plantas de frijol y Alexandergrass de: 100: 0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 y 0: 100 o 40:00, 30:10, 20:20, 10:30 y 0: 40 plantas por maceta. El análisis de la competitividad de las especies se realizó mediante diagramas aplicados a experimentos de series de reemplazo y también mediante los índices de competitividad relativa. Treinta días después de la emergencia del cultivo, se midieron el área foliar (AF), la altura de la planta (AP), el diámetro de la planta (DP) y la masa seca de los brotes (MS), además de características relacionadas con la fisiología de la planta. Hubo competencia entre cultivares de frijol carioca en presencia de Alexandergrass, independientemente de la proporción de plantas, lo que provocó reducciones en el DP, AF, y MS. Básicamente, existe competencia por los mismos recursos ambientales entre el cultivo de frijoles y Alexandergrass.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the competitive ability of carioca bean cultivars BRS FC104, BRS FC402, IAC Imperador, IAC Milênio, IPR Tangará, and SCS Riqueza in the presence of Alexandergrass (Urochloa plantaginea) in different proportions of plants in association. The experiments were carried out in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design with four replications. The treatments were arranged according to the proportions of beans and Alexandergrass plants: 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 or 40:00, 30:10, 20:20, 10:30, and 0:40 plants per pot. The competitiveness of the species was analyzed using diagrams applied to replacement experiments and also through relative competitiveness indices. At 30 days after crop emergence, leaf area (LA), height (HP), diameter (DP), and shoot dry mass (SM) of the plant shoots were measured, as well as variables related to the physiology of the species. There was competition among carioca bean cultivars in the presence of Alexandergrass regardless of the proportion of plants, causing decreases in DP, LA and SM. Basically, there is competition for the same environmental resources between beans and Alexandergrass.

RESUMEN Entre las malezas que interfieren en el crecimiento y desarrollo del sorgo dulce se destaca el amor seco, especialmente por presentar alta capacidad competitiva por los recursos disponibles en el medio. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar la capacidad competitiva del sorgo dulce (Sorghum bicolor) frente al papunga (Bidens pilosa), en función de la proporción de cultivo y planta. Los experimentos se realizaron en un invernadero en un diseño completamente al azar, con cuatro repeticiones. Los tratamientos se organizaron en series de reemplazo en las proporciones de 100: 0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 y 0: 100% (sorgo: maleza) que correspondieron a 20:0, 15:5, 10:10, 5:15 y 0:20 plantas por maceta con volumen de 8 dm3 de sorgo dulce (cultivares BRS 506, BRS 509 o BRS 511) contra B. pilosa. Cincuenta días después de la emergencia, se evaluaron el área foliar de la planta (LA), la masa seca de los brotes (MS), la fotosíntesis (A) y la transpiración (E). La capacidad competitiva se analizó utilizando el método de análisis gráfico, construyendo diagramas basados en la productividad total y relativa. También se determinaron la competitividad, el coeficiente de agrupamiento y la agresividad. Los cultivares de sorgo, en general, fueron menos competitivos en todas las proporciones de B. pilosa. Hubo pequeñas diferencias en la capacidad competitiva entre los cultivares de sorgo; BRS 509 demostró ser ligeramente más competitivo que BRS 506 y BRS 511 frente al B. pilosa a. Sin embargo, es poco probable que esto proporcione una ventaja competitiva para BRS 509 en los campos de producción, por lo que B. pilosa a debe controlarse de manera eficiente al principio del ciclo de cultivo para evitar pérdidas de productividad, independientemente del cultivar de sorgo.

ABSTRACT Among the weeds that interfere with the growth and development of sweet sorghum, beggar ticks stands out, because it has a high competitive capacity for the available resources. This study aims to compare the competitive ability of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) against hairy beggarticks (Bidens pilosa L.), as a function of cultivar and plant proportion. Experiments were conducted in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design with four replications and six treatments. Treatments were arranged in replacement series in the proportions of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100% (sorghum:weed) equivalent to 20:0, 15:5, 10:10, 5:15 and 0:20 plants per pot with 8 dm3 capacity of sweet sorghum (cultivars ‘BRS 506’, ‘BRS 509’ or ‘BRS 511’) against hairy beggarticks. Fifty days after emergence, plant leaf area (LA), aboveground dry mass (DM), photosynthesis (A), and transpiration rates (E) were measured. Competitive ability was analyzed by using the graphical analysis method and building diagrams based on total and relative productivity. Competitiveness, clustering coefficient, and aggressiveness were also determined. Sorghum cultivars, in general, showed losses independently of the proportion of hairy beggarticks. Statistical analysis showed small differences in competitive ability among sorghum cultivars; ‘BRS 509’ was also demonstrated to be slightly more competitive than ‘BRS 506’ and ‘BRS 511’ against hairy beggarticks. This, however, is unlikely to provide a competitive advantage for ‘BRS 509’ in production fields, and hairy beggarticks should be efficiently controlled early in the crop cycle to avoid productivity losses, independently of the sorghum cultivar.

ABSTRACT The pineapple belongs to the family Bromeliaceae and is a slow-growing succulent monocot with a reduced superficial root system. For this reason, the interference of weeds in competition with this crop can cause significant losses to the production. One of the bases to elaborate a control strategy is the knowledge of the diversity of weeds that occur in the cultivated areas. The objective of this study was to identify the weed community during pineapple growth in a semi-arid climate region of Brazil. Weeds were collected 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 days after planting (DAP) the pineapple. These collections were made in three different plots every two months until floral induction, composed of three pineapple cultivars. The weed community found in the irrigated pineapple field, in semi-arid climate conditions, was mostly composed by species belonging to the families Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, and Poaceae. The highest diversity of weed species was found at 60 DAP. The species Ipomoea acuminata was present throughout the development of the pineapple and showed the highest importance value index in most of the periods evaluated during the pineapple growth.

RESUMEN La pina pertenece a la familia Bromeliaceae y es una mono-cotiledónea suculenta de crecimiento lento con un sistema radical superficial reducido. Por este motivo, la interferencia de las malezas en competencia con el cultivo puede provocar pérdidas importantes para la producción. Una de las bases para la elaboración de una estrategia de control es el conocimiento de la diversidad de malezas que se dan en las áreas cultivadas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar la comunidad de malezas durante el crecimiento de la pina en una región de clima semiárido de Brasil. Las malezas se recolectaron 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 y 360 días después de la siembra (DDS) de la pina. Estas recolecciones se realizaron en tres parcelas diferentes cada dos meses hasta la inducción floral, compuestas por tres cultivares de pina. La comunidad de malezas que se encontró en el campo de pina irrigado, en condiciones climáticas semiáridas, estaba compuesta principalmente por especies pertenecientes a las familias Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae y Poaceae. La mayor diversidad de especies de malezas se encontró a los 60 DDS. La especie Ipomoea acuminata estuvo presente durante todo el desarrollo de la pina y mostró el índice de valor de importancia más alto en la mayoría de los períodos evaluados durante el crecimiento de la pina.

Abstract Glyphosate-Resistant Crops (GR crops) have caused considerable changes in weed management worldwide. In Brazil, GR cultivars of soybean and corn were officially introduced in the 2005/06 and 2011/12 crops, respectively. This technology has radically changed the weed management system, having an enormous impact on national agriculture. The objective of this review was to analyze the general aspects that led to the adoption of this technology in Brazil and present its future consequences and challenges. The adoption of GR soybean and corn was swift and comprehensive. Ten years after its introduction, GR soybean and corn are grown in most areas with these crops in Brazil. This success can be attributed to the reduction of costs, the broad spectrum of control provided by glyphosate, the solution for effective management resistance to ALS and ACCase inhibitors, the excellent managing of weeds that are difficult to control, the reduction of crop injury and carryover problems. However, the exclusive and consecutive use of glyphosate alone resulted in intense selection pressure for resistant weeds to this herbicide, which has become one of the most prominent challenges with these crops. Therefore, the future sustainability of GR soybean and corn will not be possible without the combination with other technologies, within integrated weed management.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la capacidad competitiva de los híbridos de canola (Brassica napus var. oleifera) en competencia con la avena negra (Avena strigosa), en un ambiente subtropical. Los experimentos se llevaron a cabo en un invernadero donde los híbridos de canola Hyola 61, Hyola 76, Hyola 433 y Hyola 571 fueron probadas individualmente por su habilidad competitiva contra la avena negra. Se cambió la proporción de plantas (100%: 0%; 75%: 25%; 50%: 50%; 25%: 75% y 0%: 100%) manteniendo constante la población total de plantas (20 plantas parcela -1). Se evaluaron el área foliar (AF: m2 m-2) y la materia seca (DM: g m-2) además de la tasa de fotosíntesis (A: μmol m-2 s-1), la concentración interna de CO2 (Ci: μmol mol-1) y la tasa de transpiración (E: mol H2O m-2 s-1) se evaluaron utilizando un analizador de gases en el infrarrojo (IRGA) 55 días después de la emergencia. Se registró una intensa competencia entre la canola y la avena negra. La capacidad competitiva de los híbridos de canola fue distinta; Hyola 571 se desempeñó mejor que los otros, siendo una opción para mantener altos niveles de rendimiento en condiciones competitivas con avena negra. Elegir híbridos más competitivos como el Hyola 571 ayuda a mantener altos niveles de rendimiento de canola en áreas infestadas con avena negra.

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the competitive ability of canola (Brassica napus var. oleifera) hybrids in competition with black oat (Avena strigosa) in a subtropical environment. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse where canola hybrids ‘Hyola 61,’ ‘Hyola 76,’ ‘Hyola 433,’ and ‘Hyola 571’ were tested individually for their competitive performance with black oat. The plant proportion between black oat and the canola hybrid was changed (100%:0%; 75%:25%; 50%:50%; 25%:75%; and 0%:100%) while keeping the total population of plants constant (20 plants plot-1). Photosynthesis rate (μmol m-2 s-1), internal CO2 concentration (μmol mol-1), and transpiration rate (mol H2O m-2 s-1) were assessed using an infrared gas analyzer 55 days after emergence. Leaf area (m2 m-2) and dry matter (g m-2) were also assessed on the same day. The data set was analyzed by the replacement series method for competition studies. There was evidence of intense competition between canola and black oat, independent of plant proportion. The competitive ability of canola was distinct among hybrids; Hyola 571 performed better than the others in the competition against black oat. Choosing the most competitive hybrid, such as Hyola 571, helps maintain high canola grain yield levels in areas infested with black oat.

Abstract Background Weeds compete with crops, demanding efficient control to avoid yield losses. Highly competitive cultivars are a cultural method that can increase weed suppression and reduce the effects of crop-weed competition. Objective The present study aimed to assess the competitive abilities of barley cultivars (crop) against black oat (weed) and their interference in crop physiology. Methods A preliminary additive experiment was carried out with increasing densities of barley and black oat to determine the minimal density from where there was no drier mass increasing per area. In the second experiment, a replacement series experiment, five plant proportions (100:0; 75:25; 50:50; 25:75, and 0:100) of the crop were used and the competitor was installed. Fifty days after the emergence, morphophysiological and physiological variables, as well as their respective relative competitiveness indexes, relative clustering coefficient, and species aggressiveness, were all assessed. Results The variables associated with the photosynthesis were dependent on the cultivar. BRS Cauê was the cultivar that performed better against black oat, with an increase in the overall photosynthetic rate, due to a smaller leaf area loss, as the competition increased. BRS Brau reduced the photosynthesis into smaller proportions for the competitor. The water use was not impacted to the same extent as photosynthesis. Conclusions BRS Cauê was the most competitive cultivar, suffering the lowest impact of competition with black oat.

Com o elevado uso de água utilizada na irrigação do arroz, se faz necessário testar e desenvolver sistemas que poupem recursos hídricos. O sistema de inundação intermitente mostra-se promissor em termos de manutenção dos níveis de produtividade e economia de água. Além do rendimento de grãos, a qualidade do grão deve ser considerada, pois é um fator importante na comercialização. O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de moderada deficiência hídrica no solo em diferentes fases fenológicas sobre a qualidade de grãos em três cultivares de arroz. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados, com parcelas subdivididas com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos de deficiência hídrica foram (fator B): lâmina de água; saturado e as tensões de água no solo até 10 e até 40 kPa. O ciclo da cultura em que estes estresses foram aplicados foi subdividido em três fases (Fator A): vegetativa; reprodutiva inicial e reprodutiva final. As variáveis analisadas foram grãos inteiros, quebrados, gessados, barriga branca e rajados. Não há efeitos negativos dos déficits hídricos de até 40 kPa, em qualquer fase fenológica do arroz, sobre a qualidade de grãos de cultivares desenvolvidas para irrigação por inundação contínua.

Due to the high water use in rice irrigation at the main producing regions of Brazil, it is necessary to test and develop new water-saving cropping systems. The alternate wetting and drying (AWD) system is promising in terms of maintaining productivity levels and water savings. In addition to grain yield, grain quality should be considered, as it is important for commercialization. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of moderate soil water deficiency at different phenological stages of three rice cultivars, on rice grain quality. The experiment was installed in randomized blocks design, with split-plots and four replications. Treatments consisted on the following soil water levels (Factor B): (1) flooding; (2) saturated (0 kPa) but no flooding; (3) water tension up to 10 kPa; and (4) water tension up to 40 kPa. The crop developmental stage in which these water levels were applied was subdivided into three stages (Factor A): vegetative; reproductive initial and reproductive final. The whole, broken and streaked grains, chalky kernels and chalkiness were analyzed. There are no negative effects of water deficits up to 40 kPa applied to soil, at any phenological stage of rice, on grain quality of rice cultivar developed for continuous flood irrigation.

Avaliou-se o crescimento do arroz em função do estresse hídrico em diferentes fases fenológicas, em casa-de-vegetação, em delineamento de blocos casualizados, esquema fatorial 3 × 4 + 1, com quatro repetições. O fator “A” representou a fase fenológica da planta com imposição de estresse, sendo (1) vegetativo, (2) reprodutivo 1, (3) reprodutivo 2; o fator “B” representou os níveis de estresse (0 - 200 kPa); o tratamento adicional foi composto por uma testemunha inundada. A água foi reposta ao alcançar o nível de estresse determinado para o tratamento. As plantas cresceram menos com estresse tanto nas fases vegetativa como reprodutiva; o perfilhamento foi afetado pelo estresse na fase vegetativa; a expansão de área foliar auxilia na posterior recuperação da planta quando o estresse foi imposto na fase vegetativa; o conteúdo de água não foi afetado pelo estresse, mas a massa seca de colmos foi reduzida quando o estresse ocorreu entre início do perfilhamento e antese; por fim, o volume de raízes não aumentou com imposição de estresse na fase vegetativa. O crescimento do arroz é pouco afetado pela falta de inundação, mas o estresse hídrico deve permanecer abaixo de 30 kPa durante todo o ciclo da cultura.

We aimed to assess rice growth as function of water stress at distinct crop stages, under greenhouse, using randomized block design and factorial scheme 3 × 4 + 1, with four replications. Factor “A” was the growth stage when water stress was imposed, being (1) vegetative, (2) reproductive 1, and (3) reproductive 2; factor “B” was four levels of water stress (0 - 200 kPa). The additional treatment consisted of a flooded check. Water was replenished to saturation every time the threshold stress was reached. Rice height is reduced when stress is applied either at vegetative or reproductive stages; tillering was affected only by water stress at the vegetative stage, and plants did not recover after the stress was withdrawn; surplus in leaf area is likely to help recovering plant performance from stress applied at the vegetative stage; water content was not affected by water stress, but shoot dry mass of culms was reduced with stress between tillering start and anthesis; root volume did not increase as function of water stress at the vegetative stage. Rice growth is little affected by the absence of waterlogging, but stress levels should be below 30 kPa throughout cropping cycle.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção de grãos de soja (Glycine max) e o estabelecimento de forrageiras perenes, em cultivo consorciado. A soja foi avaliada em cultivo solteiro e consorciada com os capins: Megathyrsus maximus, cultivares Aruana e BRS Tamani; Urochloa brizantha, cultivares Xaraés, BRS Piatã e BRS Paiaguás; U. decumbens; e U. ruziziensis. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com sete repetições, nas safras de 2011/2012 e 2012/2013. No cultivo consorciado, as forrageiras foram semeadas 21 e 14 dias após a emergência da soja, na primeira e na segunda safra, respectivamente. O rendimento de grãos da soja solteira e o da consorciada não diferiram, exceto nos cultivos soja + U. ruziziensis e soja + 'BRS Paiaguás', que apresentaram menor rendimento no segundo ano de avaliação. O capim 'BRS Tamani' foi o mais adequado para estabelecimento em consórcio com a soja, ao se considerar suas características morfológicas e seu baixo potencial de competição. O consórcio de soja e forrageiras perenes contribui para supressão do crescimento de plantas daninhas e, de maneira geral, não compromete o rendimento da soja.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate soybean (Glycine max) grain yield and the establishment of perennial intercropped forages. Soybean was evaluated in sole crop and intercropped with the following forages: Megathyrsus maximus, Aruana and BRS Tamani cultivars; Urochloa brizantha, Xaraés, BRS Piatã, and BRS Paiaguás cultivars; U. decumbens; and U. ruziziensis. A randomized complete block design was used, with seven replicates, in the 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 crop seasons. In the intercropped system, the forages were sown 21 and 14 days after soybean emergence, in the first and second crop seasons, respectively. Grain yield did not differ for soybean in sole crop or intercropped, except for soybean + U. ruziziensis and soybean + 'BRS Paiaguás', which were less productive in the second year of evaluation. The 'BRS Tamani' forage was the most suited for intercropping with soybean, considering its morphological characteristics and its low competition potential. Soybean intercropped with perennial forages contributes to suppress weed growth and, overall, does not compromise soybean yield.

RESUMOCrambe (Crambe abyssinica) has a cropping cycle of around 90 days, being suitable as an alternative to the second grain crop planted after soybean is harvested in the Center West region of Brazil. It is necessary to understand the growth and development dynamics of crambe plants in order to allow correct management of the production factors. This study aimed to describe the growth and development parameters of crambe plants under presence or absence of interspecific competition. The experiment was installed in the fall-winter 2011 in an Oxisoil, in completely randomized blocks design with three replications. Treatments comprised crambe plants growing either in presence or absence of interspecific simulated competition, throughout the cropping cycle. Plants were collected for the growth analysis every 15 days from harvest until 75 days after emergence. Growth parameters leaf area (AF), dry mass of stems/culms (MSC), leaves (MSF) and total (MST) dry mass, leaf area index (IAF), absolute (TCA) and relative (TCR) growth rates, net assimilation rate (TAL), specific leaf area (AFE), leaf area duration (DAF), leaf area ratio (RAF) and leaf mass ratio (RMF) were determined for the crop plants, subjected or not to competition, as well as for the simulated competitor. Crambe is a low competitive crop, being the competition more severe until 60-70 days after emergence. Besides, crop performance under field conditions was properly described by the net assimilation rate (TAL), which is also affected by the leaf area duration (DAF) and leaf mass ratio (RMF).

ABSTRACTCrambe (Crambe abyssinica) has a cropping cycle of around 90 days, being suitable as an alternative to the second grain crop planted after soybean is harvested in the Center West region of Brazil. It is necessary to understand the growth and development dynamics of crambe plants in order to allow correct management of the production factors. This study aimed to describe the growth and development parameters of crambe plants under presence or absence of interspecific competition. The experiment was installed in the fall-winter 2011 in an Oxisoil, in completely randomized blocks design with three replications. Treatments comprised crambe plants growing either in presence or absence of interspecific simulated competition, throughout the cropping cycle. Plants were collected for the growth analysis every 15 days from harvest until 75 days after emergence. Growth parameters leaf area (AF), dry mass of stems/culms (MSC), leaves (MSF) and total (MST) dry mass, leaf area index (IAF), absolute (TCA) and relative (TCR) growth rates, net assimilation rate (TAL), specific leaf area (AFE), leaf area duration (DAF), leaf area ratio (RAF) and leaf mass ratio (RMF) were determined for the crop plants, submitted or not to competition, as well as for the simulated competitor. Crambe is a low competitive crop, being the competition more severe until 60-70 days after emergence. Besides, crop performance under field conditions was properly described by the net assimilation rate (TAL), which is also affected by the leaf area duration (DAF) and leaf mass ratio (RMF).

O cultivo de Crambe abyssinica é recente no Brasil, existindo carência de informações sobre a sua gestão no que concerne à obtenção de elevada produtividade com o mínimo de risco económico e ambiental. O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu em avaliar o efeito dos herbicidas aplicados em doses crescentes, nas características fisiológicas de crambe. Os ensaios foram conduzidos em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições, no arranjo fatorial 5x4+1, onde o fator A representou cinco herbicidas e o fator B as doses testadas, além de uma testemunha sem aplicação. Foram avaliados os seguintes herbicidas e doses: fluazifope-p-butilo 0,25; 0,75; 1,0 e 1,5 L ha-1; cletodime 0,1; 0,3; 0,4 e 0,6 L ha-1; bentazona+imazamoxi 0,25; 0,75; 1,0 e 1,5 L ha-1; s-metolacloro 0,38; 1,13; 1,5 e 2,25 L ha-1; e setoxidime 0,25; 0,75; 1,0 e 1,5 L ha-1. As plantas de crambe apresentaram respostas diferenciadas à aplicação dos herbicidas. Todas as substâncias activas estudadas causa-ram efeitos negativos nas características fisiológicas da cultura; a mistura bentazona+imazamoxi promoveu a morte das plantas na dose de rótulo. Os herbicidas fluazifope-p-butilo, s-metolacloro e setoxidime provocaram redução drástica na taxa fotossintética nas maiores doses, e a eficiência no uso da água foi afetada por todos os herbicidas testados.

The cultivation of Crambe abyssinica is relatively recent in Brazil, and crop management data aiming to high yields with minimal economic and environmental risk is scarce. We aimed with this study to evaluate the effect of herbicides at varying doses on physiological traits. The experiment was installed in completely randomized blocks design with four replications, in factorial scheme 5x4+1, being factor A the five herbicides and factor B its doses, plus a control treatment with no herbicide. The following herbicides and doses were tested: fluazifop-p-butyl 0,25; 0,75; 1,0 e 1,5 L ha-1; clethodim 0,1; 0,3; 0,4 e 0,6 L ha-1; bentazon+imazamox 0,25; 0,75; 1,0 e 1,5 L ha-1; s-metolachlor 0,38; 1,13; 1,5 e 2,25 L ha-1; and sethoxydim 0,25; 0,75; 1,0 e 1,5 L ha-1. Crop plants presented differential behaviour to herbicides, causing all crop injuries at some degree; bentazon+imazamox promoted plant death at the label dose. Fluazifop-p-butyl, s-metolachlor and sethoxydim promoted great reductions in photosynthesis rate at the highest doses; on the other hand, water use efficiency was reduced by all herbicides.

Características morfofisiológicas e composições químicas estão diretamente relacionadas com a maior habilidade competitiva das culturas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar análise comparativa da produção de matéria seca, de área foliar e de quantidade de cera epicuticular detrês espécies de Sida spp.: Sidaurens L.,Sida rhombifolia L.eSidaspinosa L. Essas espécies foram coletadas em três estádios fenológicos, caracterizados como V1: formação de até dez folhas completamente expandidas; V2: entre 11 folhas e antes do florescimento, e R: após florescimento. Verificou-se, para os estádios V2 e R, maior número de folhas para a espécie Sida rhombifolia, seguida por S. spinosa em V2 e S. urens em R. Esses resultados foram relativamente proporcionais à área foliar para todas as espécies. S. spinosa, na fase vegetativa, produziu os maiores valores de área foliar específica (AFE), não se observando diferenças entre as espécies avaliadas no estádio caracterizado por R. Para a quantidade de cera por unidade de área foliar, entre as espécies, num mesmo estádio, verificou-se diferença somente na fase reprodutiva, em que S. spinosa produziu valores 23,18 e 6,23 vezes maiores que os encontrados para S. urens e S. rhombifolia, respectivamente. Entre os estádios para cada espécie, observou-se decréscimo na quantidade de cera com a idade das plantas e um aumento da área foliar, AFE, do número de folhas e da massa seca. A estrutura foliar das espécies de Sida sp. avaliadas apresenta diferentes características e essas informações podem ser utilizadas para otimizar o uso dos herbicidas no controle dessas plantas daninhas.

Morpho-physiological characteristics and chemical composition are directly related to superior competitive ability of crops. This study intended to make a comparative analysis of dry matter production, leaf area and amount of epicuticular wax of three species of Sida spp: S. urens L., S. rhombifolia L. and S. spinosa L. Plants were collected at three growth stages: V1: stage described as up to 10 fully expanded leaves; V2: between 11 leaves and flowering; and R: after flowering. At stages V2 and R, the highest number of leaves was recorded for S. rhombifolia, followed by S. spinosa at V2 and S. urens at R. These results were relatively proportional to leaf area for all species. S. spinosa at the vegetative stage produced the highest values of specific leaf area (SLA), with no significant differences between species at the stage R. The amount of wax per unit of leaf area between species at the same developmental stage was significantly different only at the reproductive stage, where S. spinosa produced 23.18 and 6.23 fold more wax than S. urens and S. rhombifolia respectively. Between the growth stages of each species, there was decrease in the amount of wax with plant age and increase in leaf area (AFE), number of leaves and dry matter. The leaves of the Sida species exhibit different characteristics and this information can be used to optimize the use of herbicides in the control of these weeds.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do quinclorac nas características anatômicas de folhas e raízes de biótipos de capim‑arroz (Echinochloa spp.), resistente e suscetível a este herbicida, por meio de avaliações micromorfométricas. As plantas foram cultivadas em vasos de plástico com capacidade de 250 cm³. As imagens dos cortes foram obtidas com microscópio de luz equipado com sistema U‑Photo, acoplado à câmera digital conectada a microcomputador. Na seção transversal da lâmina foliar e das raízes, utilizou-se objetiva de 10X, tendo-se avaliado 20 cortes/campos por planta, com dez medições por corte e quatro repetições por tratamento. Observaram-se diferenças entre os biótipos resistente e suscetível, tanto na ausência quanto na presença do quinclorac. O biótipo resistente apresenta lâmina foliar pouco afetada pelo herbicida; no entanto, há modificação na constituição dos tecidos radiculares com a formação mais acentuada de aerênquima. O biótipo suscetível também apresenta formação de aerênquima quando tratado com o quinclorac, mas em quantidade inferior à observada no biótipo resistente.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of quinclorac on anatomical traits of leaves and roots of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa spp.) biotypes, susceptible and resistant to this herbicide, by micromorphometric assessments. Plants were grown in plastic pots with 250 cm³ capacity. The images of plant sections were obtained with a light microscope equipped with a U‑Photo system, coupled to a digital photo camera connected to a microcomputer. For cross-sections of leaf blades and roots, 10X objectives were used, and 20 sections/fields per plant were evaluated, with ten measurements per section and four replicates per treatment. Differences were observed between resistant and susceptible biotypes, both in the absence and in the presence of quinclorac. The resistant biotype shows leaf blades that are less affected by the herbicide; however, there are changes in root tissue constitution with increased aerenchyma formation. The susceptible biotype also shows formation of aerenchyma when treated with quinclorac, but in lower levels than those observed for the resistant biotype.