The March issue of Specialty Crop Grower Magazine puts weed management in the spotlight. Amid concerns over a lack of a dependable workforce and need to reduce input costs, growers need to be more efficient in their production strategies like weed control. Nathan Boyd, weed scientist with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), along with …
Nutsedge Management in Vegetable Plasticulture Production
By Ruby Tiwari and Ramdas Kanissery Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) are perennial weeds that resemble grass. They commonly appear in raised bed vegetable plasticulture systems every year. These weeds spread and reproduce through rhizomes, bulbs and small tubers called nutlets. Just one tuber can generate hundreds of shoots, forming a dense patch that can span …
What’s Done During Fallow Period is Key Strategy for Weed Management
By Clint Thompson What growers do during the fallow period will have just as big of an impact on weed suppression than what is done during the production season itself. That is the mindset shared by Ramdas Kanissery, weed scientist and assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). He discussed weed management during …
Tips for Managing Summer Weeds
Summer is “a field day for weeds,” Ramdas Kanissery said in a March 29 presentation about weed control for citrus. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences assistant professor provided a progressive step-by-step approach to suppressing weeds during the summer. CONTROL EXISTING WEEDSGrowers can get off to a good start by controlling existing weeds with post-emergent herbicides. …
Nutsedge Requires Year-Round Management
By Clint Thompson Nutsedge is one of the most devastating and frustrating pests that Southeast vegetable producers encounter every year, but it can be managed more effectively. Growers must be dedicated to implementing a year-round management system and not just one that’s effective during a specific production season. Nutsedge is a destructive weed that can overwhelm a cropping system and …
Controlling Weeds Through Composting and Organic Amendments
By Ramdas Kanissery and Mahesh Bashyal Using compost and soil amendments is beneficial to Florida citrus groves. Florida soils are sandy and have a low organic matter and cation exchange capacity. Adding compost and organic amendments (e.g., humic acid) can enhance the soil’s ability to retain water and nutrients. These practices can also boost soil microbial activity and improve soil …
Nutsedge Control Requires Year-Round Management
By Clint Thompson One of the main weed threats to vegetable production requires a year-round management strategy, not just when the crop is in season. Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension weed specialist, discussed the nutsedge management during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. “Nutsedge is always a problem in vegetable production. It’s such …
Wild Radish More Challenging for Vegetable Producers
By Clint Thompson Wild radish has long been a problematic weed for vegetable producers. Unfortunately, the problem is becoming more of a challenge to manage. Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension weed specialist, discussed the scenario facing growers during last weekend’s Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Georgia. “Wild radish has certainly been a challenge for …
Weed Control: Know What’s Problematic in Your Field
By Clint Thompson Weed control is vital to a specialty crop producers’ success. They contend with crops for water, nutrients and sunshine. So, wouldn’t it make sense for growers to know what specific weeds are causing problems in their fields from year to year? That’s the argument that Ramdas Kanissery, weed scientist and assistant professor at the University of Florida …
UF/IFAS Scientist: Timing of Pre-Emergent Herbicide Applications is Key
By Clint Thompson Timing is everything for specialty crop growers implementing a pre-emergent herbicide program in their vegetable crops. Ramdas Kanissery, weed scientist and assistant professor at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), elaborates on the importance of ensuring the herbicide applications are made on time. “We have some herbicides available that can be used …
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