Competitive ability is an important tool for integrated weed management. The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of wheat cultivars in competing with the weeds Italian ryegrass and wild radish, at different periods of coexistence. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design, in a factorial scheme 4 x 2 x 3, with three replicates. The following wheat cultivars were allocated in Factor A: BRS Guamirin - short cycle and short plant height; Fundacep Cristalino - short cycle and medium plant height; Fundacep Raízes - medium cycle and medium plant height; and BRS 296 - short cycle and tall plant height. In Factor B, absence or presence of weed control, and in Factor C, weed management time (throughout the crop cycle or until pre-harvest, up to 15 days after seeding and 30 days after seeding - DAS). The Fundacep Cristalino cultivar - short cycle and medium plant height- showed more competitive ability than the Italian ryegrass and wild radish, compared to the other cultivars, in all the periods evaluated. Weed control in wheat must be performed early, especially for cultivars with lower competitive ability.
Triticum aestivum; Lolium multiflorum; Raphanus raphanistrum; interference
