Kochia (Kochia scoparia) and green foxtail (Setaria viridis) interference in sugarbeets (Beta vulgaris)

Two field experiments were conducted between 1990 and 1992 under sprinkler irrigation at the Research and Extension Center, Torrington, WY to determine the influence of mixed densities and durations of kochia and green foxtail interference in sugarbeet. Sugarbeet root yield and top weight generally decreased as densities of green foxtail and kochia increased whether alone or in combination. Reductions in sugarbeet root yield and above ground biomass from mixed densities of kochia and green foxtail were additive at the low and intermediate density but less than additive at the high density of either species. Sugarbeet root yield decreased as the duration of interference after sugarbeet emergence from a mixed density of kochia and green foxtail increased. Since sugarbeet plants were irrigated to avoid water stress and adequate nutrients were applied, it appears that kochia and green foxtail interfered with sugarbeet primarily for light, based on light and height measurements. Season-long as well as duration of interference did not show any significant effect on sucrose content. Based on regression analysis the lowest densities of kochia and green foxtail required to reduce root yield were approximately 0.3 and 0.06 plants/m of row, respectively. The minimum duration of time that 0.5 kochia and 3.0 green foxtail plants/m of row can interfere with sugarbeets before root yield is economically reduced was approximately 3.5 wk after sugarbeet emergence.