The genotype role in maize competitive ability

Growing competitive crops is an important component of the integrated weed management system, although selection of genotypes with the increased competitive ability is rather difficult. The possibility of reducing weed infestation by increasing the competitive activity of crops by growing genotypes, i.e. hybrids that better 'endure' a greater density, depends on the FAO maturity group and morphological properties of a genotype, environmental conditions and the growing regions. The competition between maize and weeds varies over the modified crop arrangement pattern. The greatest weed infestation is recorded in the crops of the sparse-spaced plants, while the height and the weight of weeds are significantly lower in closely-spaced plants. The height, growth intensity in the initial stages, embryo vigour and leaf area of the plant are important for a greater competitive ability, as they are components of competitive effects of crops on weeds. Weed infestation and maize hybrids yielding were studied in dependence on the hybrids arrangement pattern and the application of herbicides. Obtained results show statistically significant differences in the weed fresh weight, but only in certain years and in accordance with differences in the height and the leaf area of ZP maize hybrids