<b>Effects of density and emergence period of <em>Brachiaria brizantha</em> in competition with maize plant</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actasciagron.v28i3.958

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of density and emergence period of Brachiaria brizantha compared to maize on the production of both species under coexistence. The design was randomized blocks in a factorial arrangement. A 4x5+1 arrangement was adopted for maize, consisting of four densities of B. brizantha per pot (1, 2, 4, and 8 plants), and five emergence periods of B. brizantha (7 days before, on the same day and 7, 14 and 28 days after maize emergence), plus an additional treatment corresponding to sole maize. The 4x5x2 arrangement was used for forage, consisting of the same densities and emergence periods and B. brizantha in the presence and absence of maize. One maize plant per pot was used, and the B. brizantha densities were obtained from pre-germinated seeds in a humid chamber. The height, culm diameter, aerial part dry biomass, and the crop yield were evaluated for maize, and for forage, the total dry biomass of the aerial part was evaluated. Results showed that the emergence period of B. brizantha in relation to maize affected the height, culm diameter, biomass production of the aerial part and grain yield, mainly when the forage was established before the crop and in greater densities. However, when the emergence of B. brizantha occurred after the establishment of maize, the development of B. brizantha was suppressed, independent of its density.