Suppressive effects of increasing mungbean density on growth and reproduction of junglerice and feather fingergrass

Abstract

Abstract Increased planting density can provide crops a competitive advantage over weeds. This study appraised the growth and seed production of two noxious grassy weeds, i.e. feather fingergrass (Chloris virgata SW.) and junglerice [Echinochloa colona (L.) Link] in response to different mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] densities (0, 82, 164, 242, and 328 plants m−2). A target-neighbourhood study was conducted using a completely randomized design with five replications, and there were two experimental runs in 2016–2017. The leaf, stem, and total aboveground biomass of C. virgata was 86, 59, and 76% greater than E. colona. For seed production, E. colona outnumbered C. virgata by producing 74% more seeds. Mungbean density-mediated suppression of height was more pronounced for E. colona compared with C. virgata during the first 42 days. The presence of 164–328 mungbean plants m−2 reduced the number of leaves of E. colona and C. virgata by 53–72% and 52–57%, respectively. The reduction in the inflorescence number caused by the highest mungbean density was higher for C. virgata than E. colona. C. virgata and E. colona growing with mungbean produced 81 and 79% fewer seeds per plant. An increase in mungbean density from 82 to 328 plants m−2 reduced the total aboveground biomass of C. virgata and E. colona by 45–63% and 44–67%, respectively. Increased mungbean plant density can suppress weed growth and seed production. Although increased crop density contributes to better weed management, supplemental weed control will be needed.