Abstract

Competition interferes with the growth and development of plants, whether of the same species or not. The aim of this work is to evaluate the intra-specific interference of slender amaranth plants (Amaranthus viridis) at different densities and distances, and in an inter-specific interaction with red pepper (Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum). The experiment was conducted in four replications and in a randomized complete block design using a factorial scheme of 2x4 + 2 controls, which represent two distances (5 and 10 cm) between the weeds and pepper (transplanted in the center of the box) and 4 densities of slender amaranth (3, 6, 9, and 12 plants m-2). Cement-asbestos boxes with a capacity of 90 L were filled with clayey soils (Red Dark Latosol). The pepper seedlings were transferred to the boxes after having three fully expanded leaves, whereas the slender amaranth seedlings were transplanted when they were 5 cm in height. Growth and yield characteristics of the crop and weeds were evaluated. As a result, it was observed that as the density increased, both species suffered more damage; the red pepper showed etiolation and reduced production, and the weeds showed a reduction in growth parameters. The distance between the plants did not interfere with their intra- and inter-specific coexistence.

Key words: Capsicum baccatum, Amaranthus viridis, density, competition, weed.