Competitive Mechanisms of Common Cocklebur (<i>Xanthium strumarium</i>) and Soybean (<i>Glycine max</i>) During Seedling Growth

Abstract

Experiments were conducted in the greenhouse and growth chamber to evaluate competitive mechanisms of soybean and common cocklebur during seedling growth. Soybean was approximately 1.5 to 2 times taller and was more competitive aboveground than common cocklebur during the first few weeks of growth. Common cocklebur had an approximate 20 to 50% finer root system and was more competitive belowground than soybean during early growth.