Photothermal time describes common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifoliaL.) phenological development and growth

Abstract

The ability to predict weed phenological development under field conditions is fundamental to the development of mechanistic weed–crop competition models. We studied how phenological development of common ragweed grown under field conditions could be explained using temperature and photoperiod responses derived from growth room experiments. We also determined the relationship between phenological development and common ragweed leaf area, dry matter production, and partitioning. Phenological development of common ragweed emerging at different times in the field was described by photothermal time based on temperature and photoperiod responses derived from growth room experiments. Estimated dates of phenological events of common ragweed were within 4 d of recorded values. Common ragweed seedling density did not influence phenological development. Common ragweed leaf area development, biomass partitioning, and total biomass were related to photothermal time accumulation. The results of this study are consistent with our hypothesis that phenological development is a major factor influencing the outcome of weed–crop competition. Results obtained from this study can be incorporated into a mechanistic model of weed–crop competition.