Competition for light between velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) and soybean (Glycine max)

Summary: We examined factors affecting conversion of light into dry matter of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) and soybean (Glycine max) grown in a replacement series near Ames, Iowa, U.S.A. in 1986 and 1987. Velvetleaf was taller than soybean over most of the growing season and had more branches, especially at the top of the canopy. Velvetleaf had greater light interception than soybean in the upper part of the canopy, particularly early and late in the day, although total light interception by canopies of the two species was similar on most sample dates. Velvetleaf had higher light utilization efficiency, or conversion of intercepted light into dry matter, in the middle and later part of the growing season. This combination of traits appears to give velvetleaf an advantage over soybean in competition for light.