Interference of Volunteer Corn on Soybean Grown under Cerrado Conditions

ABSTRACT: The presence of volunteer corn plants in coexistence with soybean has been increasing since the introduction of glyphosate-resistant corn hybrids. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of interference of volunteer RR® corn plants at different densities on two RR® soybean cultivars. The experiment was conducted in Rio Verde, GO. The experimental design was a randomized block design in a factorial arrangement (2×5), with four replications. Factor A consisted of two soybean cultivars (BMX Potência RR® and M8210 IPRO®), while five densities of RR® corn plants per m2 (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16) were adopted for factor B. The following evaluations were carried out for soybean: plant height, SPAD index, percentage of interrow closure, shoot dry matter, first pod height, number of pods per plant, 100 grain weight, and grain yield of grains. Soybean plant height presented a linear and positive relationship with the increased density of corn plants. Shoot dry matter, 100 grain weight, number of pods per plant, and grain yield were negatively affected by the increased density of volunteer corn infestation. The soybean cultivar M8210 IPRO® was more susceptible to corn plant interference when compared to the cultivar BMX Potência RR®.