The struggle for existence among weed plants starts at the seedling stage, sometimes
earlier, sometimes a little later. Once emerged weed plant grow rapidly and begin to
interact with nearby plants (neighbors), either of the same species in the population or
with other species (weeds and crop[s]). As they grow several things happen simultaneously:
the compete for limited amounts of resources; their plant number density affects their
growth & development; their presence acts as a feedback influence on subsequent
seedling recruitment.
Let's learn more about these aspects of competition among neighbors.
The Effect of Neighbors in Agroecosystems: Introductory Concepts
The presence of a plant changes the environment of its neighbor and may alter the growth rate and form of both. Such neighbor effects brought about by proximity of individuals is called interference
Interference: neighbor effects due to:
1. consumption of resources in limited supply
2. allelopathy: production of toxins
3. changes in conditions: protection from wind, behavior of predators
4. can include stimulatory, beneficial, effects of neighbors
Mechanisms of interaction between species
-Interactions above and below the ground
-Deprivation of resources
-Role of toxic substances
