Barnyardgrass had relatively higher growth vigor at the earlier growth stage than inbred rice did, showing the 2 fold higher α -amylase activity during the periods of germination and large leaf area Expansion with high net photosynthetic rate at the earlier autotrophic stage, but it performed weak growth at the late growth stage. However, the hlybrid rice Shanyou 63 had significantly higher α -amylase activity and net photosynthetic rate than that of barnyardgrass, exhibiting heterosis for two physiologica1 traits during the germination (6~12 days) and autotrophic phase, respectively. Accordingly, hybrid rice, Shanyou 63, exhibited heterotic effect at the early growing stage when were presented with barnyardgrass. Shanyou 63 exhibited stronger tillering ability, faster leaf area expansion and higher net photosynthetic rate than those of barnyardgrass.