Competition Between Sugarbeets and Five Densities of Kochia

In a 2-year study, five densities of kochia ( Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.) competed with sugarbeets ( Beta vulgaris L.) for the entire growing season. The yield of sugarbeet roots and pounds of sucrose per acre decreased as the intensity of competition from kochia plants increased. One kochia plant per 25 ft of row reduced the average yield of roots by 2.6 T/A and sucrose by 960 lb/A. A density of one kochia plant, or more, per 2 ft of row in the first year, or one kochia plant per 1 ft of row in the second year, significantly reduced the sucrose content of the roots. Individual kochia plants significantly reduced the weight of sugarbeet tops and roots within a radius of 31 inches from the center of the sugarbeet row.