Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) Growth and Development in Conventional and No-Tillage Corn (Zea mays)

Monoculture velvetleaf had greater dry weight, growth rate, leaf area index, and height than velvetleaf grown in association with conventional or no-tillage corn. Velvetleaf planted 5 weeks after corn had significantly lower dry weight, leaf area index, and height compared to velvedeaf planted at the same time as corn. The combination of interference from corn and delayed planting caused a significant reduction in velvetleaf population at the end of the season, delayed the date of 50% velvetleaf flowering, increased the number of days required for 50% flowering, and reduced the number of capsules per plant. Velvetleaf dry weight/hectare and leaf area index increased as plant population increased. Velvetleaf dry weight, leaf area, capsules, and seed/plant decreased as plant density increased. There were no differences in vegetative or reproductive growth between velvetleaf grown in conventional or no-tillage areas.