Comparative Water Relations, Photosynthesis, and Growth of Soybean (Glycine max) and Seven Associated Weeds
Growth dynamics, water relations, and photosynthesis of soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr. ‘Ransom’], common cocklebur (Xanthium pensylvanicumWallr.), jimsonweed (Datura stramoniumL.), prickly sida (Sida spinosaL.), sicklepod (Cassia obtusifoliaL.), smooth pigweed (Amaranthus hybridusL.), spurred anoda [Anoda cristata(L.) Schlect.], and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrastiMedic.) were compared in a controlled-environment greenhouse programmed for 32C day and 23C night temperatures. Net photosynthetic rates, net assimilation rates, and water-use efficiency on a whole-plant or single-leaf basis were greatest in the C4-plant, smooth pigweed. Total dry-matter production at 29 days after planting was greatest in common cocklebur and least in jimsonweed. Interspecific differences in dry-matter production were highly positively correlated with leaf area duration and negatively correlated with net assimilation rate. Threshold leaf water-potential levels causing stomatal closure varied among species. The stomata of jimsonweed were the most sensitive to water stress and those of prickly sida were the least sensitive.