Impact of lamb's-quarters, common ragweed and green foxtail on yield of corn and soybean in Ontario

Field studies were conducted in Harrow, Ontario, from 1990 to 1993 to quantify the relationship between yield of field corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and density of lamb's-quarters (Chenopodium albion L.), common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.), and green foxtail [Setaria viridis (L) Beauv.]. Experiments were conducted separately for each weed and crop combination. Weeds emerged at the same time as or within a week of the crop. Coefficients of the rectangular hyperbolic damage function were estimated for each year and pooled over years. In both crops, lamb's-quarters was the most competitive of the three weed species, and green foxtail was the least competitive at low densities. Maximum yield loss at high weed density varied with weed species in field corn, but not in soybean. The estimated competition coefficients of the damage function have been incorporated in a decision support system for integrated weed management in Ontario.