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November 30th, 2017
The ecological processes that my research project touched on are interspecific competition, limiting resources and evolutionary fitness. These three terms could be used to summarize what my research is about. My project is based on the fact that competition between plant species is a result of the limited availability of resources such as light. This experiment observes the interspecific competition between a weed and non-weed species as they compete for a restricted resource (light). Weeds have developed qualities through evolution that allow them to outcompete other plant species. These qualities include fast growth rates and high fertility levels. Early growth and maturity allow weeds to rapidly disperse and take advantage of growth opportunities (Gunton et al. 2011). Competition between weeds and other plants for light resources is problematic in agricultural practices as it can delay plant growth in the season (Stoller and Woodley. 2017). Additionally, the weeds are in direct competition with important plant species for resources, and their presence can result in a decrease of crop yield (Pollnac et al. 2008). Understanding the impacts of light competition between plant and weed species is important as human populations and the need for efficient crop production increases worldwide.
Literature Cited
Gunton, R.M., S. Petit, and S. Gaba. 2011. Functional traits relating arable weed communities to crop characteristics. Journal of Vegetation Science 22: 541-550.
Pollnac, F.W., B.D. Maxwell, and F.D. Menalled. 2008. Weed community characteristics and crop performance: a neighbourhood approach. Weed Research 49: 242-250.
Stoller, E.W., and J.T. Woodley. 2017. Competition for Light by Broadleaf Weeds in Soybeans (Glycine max). Weed Science 33: 199-202.
