Impacts of drought intensity and weed competition on drought-tolerant corn performance

Abstract Water stress and weed competition are critical stressors during corn ( Zea mays L.) development. Genetic improvements in have resulted hybrids with greater tolerance to abiotic biotic stressors; however, drought remains problematic. Therefore, light of the anticipated change precipitation throughout Great Lakes Region, greenhouse experiments were conducted evaluate water on drought-tolerant performance. The study followed a completely randomized block design four replications. Factorial treatment combinations consisted (presence or absence), (100% 50% volumetric content [VWC]), nine corn:common lambsquarters Chenopodium album L., CHEAL) densities. Corn C. growth parameters measured at 14 21 d after water-stress initiation. To explore impact reduced soil moisture parameters, photosynthetic response, biomass, linear mixed-effects nonlinear regression models constructed R. biomass was by 46% under 2 4 weeds pot ?1 (P = 0.0003, 0.0004). However, introducing crop 6 9 did not reduce 0.90, 1.00). Averaged across pressures, 22% less when grown compared 100% VWC 0.0003). averaged values, increasing from 0 0.04), <0.0001), 0.0002), 0.0002) 22%, 38%, 35%, 36%. Overall, negatively affected this study; magnitude reduction is stronger than limiting. field growers must modify current integrated management programs maintain yield future climate stress.