Effect of weed densities and control periods on soybean yield components

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of different weed densities on the yield components of soybean grain, cv. BRS 243 - RR. The experimental design was arranged in completely randomized blocks, and the treatments consisted of increasing periods of control and three weed densities (low, medium and high). The initial periods of control were: 0, 0-5. 0-10, 0-15, 0-21. 0-28, 0-35, 0-42, 0-49 and 0-125 (harvesting). In low infestation areas, the weed community was composed mainly of Brachiaria plantaginea, Ipomoea nil, Euphorbia heterophylla and others. In medium and high infestation areas, the outstanding weeds were Brachiaria plantaginea, Ipomoea nil, Digitaria horizontalis, Cyperus rotundus and others. B. plantaginea was responsible for the highest dry matter accumulation in all levels of infestation. Regarding the crop yield components, number of pods per plant was the most severely affected by competition, reduced at about 58016 in the low infestation area, 71% in the medium infestation area and 78% in the high infestation area. Number of seeds per pod and weight of 1000 grains were less influenced by competition; however, these parameters were reduced, indicating a relation between weed control periods and infestation level with soybean yield component.