Increased beet density in weed management

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of increased beet density on the capacity of beet plants to suppress weeds. The treatments were twelve weedy and weed-free increased periods submitted to two beet plant densities (40 and 50 plants m(-2)). Extension of weed interference was one week and time evaluation started in the second week after sowing. Weed dry mass accumulation for each period and estimate of time and extension of weed interference critical periods based on beet marketable yield were evaluated. Less weed dry mass accumulation was observed for increased beet density. The average percent difference of weed dry mass accumulation between densities was 17 and 30% under weedy and weed-free periods, respectively. The critical period of weed interference prevention was shorter for increased beet density (11 days) than for 40 plants m(-2) beet density (22 days). Thus, increased beet density increased beet plant capacity to suppress weeds. Thus, weed growth and time and extension of weed interference critical periods were affected. Increased beet density can be used as an efficient tool for weed management.