Interaction of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) Plants for Water is Affected by Their Interaction for Light

Transpirations of cotton and velvetleaf plants competing for water and light were estimated with heat balance stem flow gauges in a controlled environment. Cotton and velvetleaf plants were grown together in pots and monitored during fluctuations in soil water, irradiance, air temperature, and humidity. Shading from other plants imposed light competition on velvetleaf or cotton. Velvetleaf used significantly more water than cotton given ample water and light. Transpiration by both species was reduced in dry soil, but velvetleaf transpiration was reduced primarily by leaf abscision, while cotton leaves did not abscise. Both cotton and velvetleaf plants transpired significantly less when shaded. Leaf water potentials indicated that shaded plants experienced reduced evaporative demand suggesting that shading reduced plant stress in dry soil. Competition for water was strongly influenced by competition for light.