Competitive Interference of Lactuca serriola in Chickpea Under Different Planting Densities and Rainfall Conditions

Abstract

Competition from invasive weeds is a major constraint in chickpea production systems, particularly under variable rainfall conditions that influence crop establishment and resource availability. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the competitive interference of Lactuca serriola in chickpea under different planting densities and rainfall regimes. Chickpea was established at varying plant densities and subjected to natural and supplemented moisture conditions to assess crop–weed interactions throughout the growing season. Increasing density of L. serriola significantly reduced chickpea growth parameters, including plant height, branch formation, nodulation, and biomass accumulation due to intense competition for light, soil moisture, and nutrients. Early-season interference was found to be most critical, with weed competition during initial growth stages causing irreversible yield losses. Higher chickpea planting densities partially suppressed weed growth by enhancing canopy closure and resource capture, thereby reducing weed biomass and reproductive output. Rainfall variability strongly influenced the intensity of competitive interactions, with higher soil moisture conditions promoting rapid weed emergence and increased suppression of crop performance. In contrast, low rainfall conditions limited both crop and weed growth, but chickpea remained more resilient under moisture stress compared with L. serriola. Yield components, including pod number, seed weight, and harvest index, declined progressively with increasing weed density and prolonged interference duration. The study highlights the aggressive competitive ability of L. serriola in chickpea agroecosystems and its sensitivity to environmental moisture conditions. Integrated management strategies involving optimized planting density, timely weed control, and moisture conservation practices are essential to mitigate yield losses.