The use of Biologically Realistic Equations to Describe the Effects of Weed Density and Relative Time of Emergence on Crop Yield

Abstract

A model, based on a rectangular hyperbola, has been developed to describe the relationship between population density and relative time of seedling emergence of wild oat ( Avena fatua L. # AVEFA) and yield of barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). The equation is where y L is percent yield loss, D is weed density, T is relative time of emergence of weed and crop, and a, b, and c are nonlinear regression coefficients. Significant differences in fitted equations were found between years. From the values of regression coefficients it was concluded that barley is a better competitor than wheat and is less affected by late-emerging wild oat. The model was tested on previously published data. It provided only a slightly better description of the data than a multiple-regression model, but avoided a number of undesirable, implausible properties inherent in the more frequently used approach. In particular, the model does not predict a loss in yield when no weeds are present or a yield increase from late-emerging weeds.