The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effectiveness of increasing corn plant population in association with differe nt methods to control weeds. The trial was conduted in Lages, SC, using a randomized complete block desing in a split plot arragement. Fiv e methods of weed control were located at the main plots: 1) check without control, 2) atrazine + metolachlor (1,4 + 2,1 kg/ha) in pre-emergency, 3) nicosulfuron (60 g/ha) in post emergency, 4) atrazine + metolachlor in pre-emergency and nicosulfuron in post emergency, and 5) hoeing up to flowerin g. Four plant population were tested at split plots: 35000, 50000, 68000 and 80000 plants ha-1. Incre asing plant population was more effective to decrease weed dry matter when no additional control was performed or herbicide was used in pre emergent. Weed influence on corn grain yield was greater at 80000 plantas ha-1 due to both weed and intraespecific competition. The use of high plant population can mitigate weed competition. However, it should be complemented with other methods of control during the early stages of corn development to achive high grain yields.
Competition; integrad weed managment; herbicide; Zea mays