The competitive effects of sicklepod(Cassia obtusifoliaL.) on soybeans(Glycine maxL. ‘Bragg’) were studied on Malbis sandy loam soil and Chesterfield sandy loam soil during 1968 to 1970. Weed density was a linear function of soybean yield for the densities studied (0 to 15 weeds/m2). The regression coefficient of weed density (weeds per square meter) on bean yield (kilograms per hectare) was −92 and −101 for the two soils, respectively. When the data were combined across both soils and years, the regression coefficient was −95. Densities of 7.7 weeds/m2reduced soybean yield 19 to 32% and 34 to 35% on the two soils, respectively. The weight of weeds at harvest was also inversely correlated to soybean yield. Sicklepod was more competitive when grown 15 to 30 cm from the drill than in the drill. Soybean yields were reduced in some instances when sicklepod was allowed to compete for as little as 4 weeks. If weeds were removed at 2 to 4 weeks after soybean emergence, no further weed removal was needed for maximum yield of soybeans.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) grown at two locations in Alabama from 1966 to 1968 produced maximum yields when kept free of annual weeds for approximately 8 weeks after emergence. Weed control for longer periods failed to increase yields. When initial weed control measures were delayed until 6 to 7 weeks after emergence at one location and 4 to 5 weeks at the other location, cotton was not injured. Prolonged weed competition past the critical periods usually resulted in drastic cotton yield reductions. Plant height and stem diameter of cotton were reduced by some of the weed competition treatments.

Germination, growth, and potential phytotoxicity of sicklepod (Cassia obtusifolia L.) were studied. Seed germination occurred in the temperature range from 18 to 36 C, but rapid seedling growth occurred only between 30 and 36 C. Seed dormancy caused by a waxy coat resulted in only 15% germination in soil over a 12-month period. A 1:15 (g/ml) water extract of sicklepod tops inhibited germination of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) seed. Incorporation of sicklepod residues in soil reduced germination of cotton seed but increased persistence of sericea (Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don.) and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) because damping-off was almost eliminated. There was evidence in nutrient cultures that sicklepod released a phytotoxic residue from its roots, reducing growth of cotton but having no effect on soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Sicklepod grew well in soils ranging from pH 3.2 to 7.9. Sicklepod response to N, P, and K levels was similar to cotton and higher than that of soybeans.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) was grown at two locations in Alabama during 1966 to 1969 with specific densities of sicklepod (Cassia obtusifoliaL.) and tall morningglory (Ipomoea purpureaL. Roth). Competition from sicklepod and tall morningglory caused cotton yield reductions at densities as low as eight weeds per 7.31 m of row. Tall morningglory was usually more competitive than sicklepod in cotton. Both species were more competitive on Lucedale sandy clay loam than on Norfolk sandy loam. Sicklepod at eight weeds per 7.31 m of row reduced yields from 10 to 23% on the Norfolk soil and approximately 40% on the Lucedale soil. At the highest density, 48 sicklepod plants per 7.31 m of row, yields were reduced 45 to 65% on the Norfolk soil and approximately 80% on the Lucedale soil. Tall morningglory at a density of eight weeds per 7.31 m of row reduced cotton yields 10 to 40% on the Norfolk soil and 50 to 75% on the Lucedale soil. Vegetative growth, boll, and seed size were not affected as much as cotton yields by competition. Percentage lint and lint fiber properties were unaffected by competition.

Integrated weed management (IWM) became an accepted, and frequently used, term by weed scientists in the early 1970's. It has been argued by some that IWM is simply new terminology for a system that was previously called “weed control”. In any event, the acceptance of the “management concept” has assured the grower that chemicals for weed control are merely a component part of a total system for managing weeds in crops (9, 65).

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL. ‘Stoneville 213’) was grown with densities of sicklepod (Cassia obtusifoliaL.) or redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexusL.) ranging from 0 to 32 weeds/15 m of row. Regression of seed cotton yields on weed density revealed a linear decrease in yield with increasing weed densities. In the 3 yr these studies were conducted, losses in hand harvested yields of seed cotton ranged from 34 to 43 kg/ha for each sickledpod plant/15 m of row and 21 to 38 kg/ha for each redroot pigweed plant per 15 m of row. Under comparable weed densities, yields of seed cotton differed only slightly when hand harvested or mechanically harvested. Mechanical harvesting efficiencies of cotton were reduced only at higher densities of weeds. The percentage of trash in cotton generally increased with increasing density of weeds. Neither sicklepod nor redroot pigweed affected cotton grade or micronaire.

The distribution of sicklepod (Cassia obtusifoliaL.) and coffee senna (Cassia occidentalisL.) in the United States is similar and both species are increasing as problems within their range. Sicklepod is a problem in 11 southern states and increasing in 12 while coffee senna is a problem in 7 states and increasing in 8 states. Both species germinated over a wide range of temperature. Germination characteristics were similar in the range of 15 to 36 C. Germination of coffee senna was drastically reduced at 39 C byRhizopussp. Seedling growth was similar for both species and was maximum from 30 to 36 C. Both species have a hard seedcoat. Abrasion for 5, 10, or 15 s, puncturing with a needle, and sulfuric acid were all effective in initiating germination. Both species emerged from a soil depth of 12.5 cm; however, emergence of sicklepod was more rapid than coffee senna with 63% of the sicklepod seedlings emerging from 2.5 cm after only 3 days.

Tall morningglory [Ipomoea purpurea(L.) Roth.], pitted morningglory(I. lacunosaL.), ivyleaf morningglory [I. hederacea(L.) Jacq.] and entireleaf morningglory(I. hederaceavar.integruisculaGray) were compared for their competitive ability with cotton(Gossypium hirsutumL.) at weed densities of 4, 8, 16 and 32 weeds/15 m of row. Tall morningglory was the most competitive with yield reductions of as much as 88% at 32 weeds/15 m. The higher populations of tall morningglory also significantly reduced cotton populations, mechanical harvesting efficiency and lint percentage below that in the controls. Pitted morningglory densities twice that of tall morningglory were required to produce cotton responses similar to those induced by tall morningglory. Ivyleaf morningglory and entireleaf morningglory were almost identical in their competitive potentials and were less competitive than the other species evaluated. Their competitive ability was greatly reduced by disease. Competition from morningglories did not consistently affect cotton fiber micronaire, fiber length or strength.