Interference Periods of Raphanus raphanistrum L. in Sunflower Crop

ABSTRACT: Raphanus raphanistrum L. (wild radish) stands out among the weeds that cause greatest damage to the sunflower crop, due to the development cycle and adaptability. The objective of this research was to determine interference periods of sunflower interacting with wild radish, and the effects of competition on yield and its components. The experiment was conducted in the field in a randomized block design with four replications. The treatments were arranged in a factorial design with factor A composed of wild radish coexistence or control in sunflower, and factor B, for eight periods (0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 135 days after crop emergence). It was evaluated height, diameter of chapters, achene yield and dry matter of weeds and crop. The presence of wild radish adversely affects the accumulation of dry mass, head diameter, thousand grain weight and reduces sunflower productivity when the wild radish interacts during the whole crop cycle, but does not affect on plant height. Chemical control of wild radish may be adopted at the end of period prior to interference, which for sunflower crop is 13 DAE, and the application is sufficient to avoid weed interference until the end of the total period of interference prevention which occurs until 17 days after crop emergence.