Studies were conducted at three locations in North Carolina in 2004 to evaluate density-dependent effects of glufosinate-resistant (GUR) corn on GUR cotton growth and lint yield. GUR corn was taller than GUR cotton as early as 11 d after planting, depending on location. A GUR corn density of 5.25 plant/m of crop row reduced late-season cotton height by 38, 43, and 43% at Clayton, Lewiston-Woodville, and Rocky Mount, NC, respectively, compared with weed-free cotton height. GUR corn dry biomass per meter of crop row and GUR corn seed biomass per meter of crop row decreased linearly with increasing GUR corn density at all locations. The relationship between GUR corn density and GUR cotton yield loss was described by the rectangular hyperbola model with the asymptote (a) constrained to 100% maximum yield loss. The estimated coefficient i (yield loss per unit density as density approaches zero) was 7, 5, and 6 at Clayton, Lewiston-Woodville, and Rocky Mount, respectively. Percentage of GUR cotton lint yield loss increased 4, 5, and 8 percentage points at Clayton, Lewiston-Woodville, and Rocky Mount, respectively, with each 500 g increase in weed biomass/m of crop row. The examined GUR corn densities had a significant effect on cotton yield but not as significant as many other problematic grass and broadleaf weeds.

Nomenclature: Glufosinate, corn, Zea mays L. ‘Pioneer 34A55LL’ ZEAMX, cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., ‘FM 958LL’