Competitive Ability of Barley Cultivars Against Ryegrass

Characterization of the competitive ability of barley varieties against weed species is relevant for the adoption of the cultural method of weed control; thus, it is possible to reduce both the production costs and environmental impacts caused by other management methods, including the use of chemicals. This work assessed the competitive ability of barley varieties against ryegrass. Trials were installed under greenhouse conditions at the 2008/2009 cropping season, in a completely randomized block design, with four replications. Treatments were arranged in a substitution series design constituted by five proportions of plants of both species: 100: 0; 75: 25; 50: 50; 25: 75; and 0: 100. Barley varieties BRS Greta, BRS Elis and BRS 225 were tested against ryegrass as the competitor. The competitive analysis was carried out through diagrams applied to the substitutive design, plus determination of relative competitiveness indexes. Plant height, tillering, leaf area and shoot dry mass were evaluated. The presence of ryegrass reduced tillering, leaf area and dry mass accumulation for all varieties of barley tested, showing to be an aggressive competitor. Among the barley varieties tested, BRS Elis showed the highest competitive ability against ryegrass. Ryegrass requires the adoption of control techniques even when present at low proportions in the field.