A quantitative analysis of inter-specific competition in crops with a row structure.

This thesis deals with intra-specific and inter-specific competition in canopies with a row structure. To study this, two 'model systems' were chosen, i.e. witloof chicory + associated weeds, and white cabbage + clover.

The main objective of this thesis is to quantitatively explain the effects of spatial arrangements, emergence dates, plant densities, and physiological and morphological characteristics of competing species in a canopy with a row structure, on growth and dry matter production of those species. For the development of new weed management strategies, it is essential to have a good quantitative knowledge of the effects of all these factors on growth and development of weeds, and on the interaction between crops and weeds, at different growth situations. ..