Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2017
Annual weeds were allowed to compete until or after each of the first three postemergence irrigations of furrow-irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘Deltapine 16’). Beds and furrows were shaped with a sectioned, rolling cultivator three times between cotton emergence and the second irrigation. Cotton boll components and fiber properties were not affected by periods of competition with annual weeds. Weeds allowed to compete after the first or second irrigations significantly reduced the 4-year average yield of cotton by 16 and 12%, respectively. Competition that began after the third or fourth irrigation, or that ended after the first, second, or third irrigation was less detrimental and did not significantly affect yields.