Analysis of competition between wet-seeded rice and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) using a response–surface model

Competition between wet-seeded rice and barnyardgrass under two distinct environments was analyzed using a two-parameter response–surface model at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines. The findings showed that this model could predict crop yield loss due to weed competition over a wide range of crop and weed densities. The low-tillering, new plant–type cultivar was a weaker competitor and had a higher yield loss than high-tillering cultivar ‘IR72’ and a hybrid. Increasing the crop density could reduce yield loss due to weed competition. This effect was greater for the new plant type than for IR72 and the hybrid when barnyardgrass density was low. In contrast, this effect was less for the new plant type than for IR72 and the hybrid when the weed density was high. Competitiveness of the three rice cultivars was also affected by season. Crop yield loss was higher in the wet season than in the dry season.