Interference of morningglories (<i>Ipomoea</i> spp.) with ‘Fascination’ triploid watermelon

Abstract Morningglories ( Ipomoea spp.) are among the most troublesome weeds in cucurbits United States; however, little is known about spp. interference with horticultural crops. Two additive design field studies were conducted 2020 at two locations Indiana to investigate of ivyleaf morningglory hederacea Jacq.), entireleaf Jacq. var. integriuscula A. Gray.), and pitted lacunosa L.) triploid watermelon [ Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. &amp; Nakai]. Immediately after was transplanted, seedlings transplanted into planting holes densities 0 (weed-free control), 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 plants 27 m −2 . Fruit harvested once a week for 4 wk, each fruit classified as marketable (≥4 kg) or non-marketable (&lt;4 kg). At 1 wk final harvest, aboveground biomass samples collected from 2 per plot oven-dried obtain dry weight. Seed capsules number seeds 15 counted sample estimate seed production. increasing 3 increased yield loss 58% 99%, reduced 49% 98%, individual weight 17% 45%, 83% 94%. production ranged 549 7,746 , greatly weed seedbank. hindered harvest due their vines wrapping around fruits. The likely reason light consequently less matter being partitioned development photosynthesis. Yield attributed fewer fruits fruit.