Effect of Plastic Mulch Type on Fomesafen Dissipation in Florida Vegetable Production Systems

Weed Science ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 142-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas V. Reed ◽  
Nathan S. Boyd ◽  
P. Christopher Wilson ◽  
Peter J. Dittmar

Mulches used in plasticulture systems could decrease dissipation of fomesafen, a protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor, and dissuade producers from using the herbicide for fear of crop injury in subsequent growing seasons. Field experiments were conducted in Balm, FL, in 2015 and 2016 to investigate the effect of different plastic mulches on fomesafen dissipation, squash tolerance, and efficacy on purple nutsedge. Squash was injured less than 5% from fomesafen applications. The use of plastic mulches reduced purple nutsedge density at transplant by 60% compared with the no-mulch treatment. At transplant, treatments with low-density polyethylene mulch (LDPE), virtually impermeable film (VIF), and totally impermeable film (TIF) mulch had greater than 2-fold the fomesafen concentrations than treatments with clear or no mulch. At harvest in 2015, LDPE, VIF, and TIF treatments had greater fomesafen concentrations than clear and no-mulch treatments; however, concentrations in 2016 were similar for all treatments. Fomesafen can persist at high concentrations throughout the growing season in Florida plasticulture possibly limiting producer options for crop rotation and the use of cover crops.

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 200-205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjeev K. Bangarwa ◽  
Jason K. Norsworthy

Nutsedge control is challenging in commercial vegetable production in the absence of methyl bromide, and therefore, an effective alternative is needed. This study investigated allyl isothiocyanate (ITC) as a methyl bromide alternative for purple nutsedge control under polyethylene-mulch. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to compare the retention of allyl ITC in treated soil (3,000 nmol g−1) under low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and virtually impermeable film (VIF) mulches. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of allyl ITC (6 rates: 0, 15, 75, 150, 750, 1500 kg ai ha−1) under VIF mulch against purple nutsedge. Additionally, a standard treatment of methyl bromide+chloropicrin (67 : 33%) at 390 kg ai ha−1under LDPE mulch was included for comparison. In the greenhouse experiment, the predicted half-life of allyl ITC under LDPE and VIF mulch was 0.15 and 0.59 d, respectively. In the field experiment, it was predicted that allyl ITC at 1,240 and 1,097 kg ha−1under VIF mulch is required to control purple nutsedge shoot and tubers equivalent to methyl bromide + chloropicrin at 4 wk after treatment (WAT). It is concluded that allyl ITC under VIF mulch would need to be applied at 2.8 to 3.2 times the standard treatment of methyl bromide + chloropicrin under LDPE mulch for commercially acceptable purple nutsedge control.


Weed Science ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 281-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. Brainard ◽  
R. R. Bellinder

Interseeded cover crops have the potential to maintain and improve soil quality, reduce the incidence of insect pests, and suppress weeds in vegetable production systems. However, the successful use of interseeded cover crops has been limited by their tendency to either inadequately suppress weeds or suppress both weeds and the crop. We hypothesized that in irrigated broccoli production, winter rye could suppress annual weeds through rapid emergence and shading, without adversely affecting the taller transplanted broccoli crop. In field experiments conducted in New York from 1999–2001, broccoli was cultivated at 0, 10, or 10 and 20 d after broccoli transplanting (DAT), with or without rye at the final cultivation. Rye interseeded at 0 DAT suppressed weeds and improved yields relative to unweeded controls but resulted in broccoli yield losses relative to weed-free controls in 2 of 3 years. Rye seeded at either 10 or 20 DAT did not reduce broccoli yields but had little effect on weeds for a given level of cultivation and resulted in Powell amaranth seed production of up to 28,000 seeds m−2. Rye interseeded at 0 DAT reduced light availability to weeds in 2000 but not in 2001 when Powell amaranth avoided shading from rye through rapid emergence and vertical growth. In greenhouse pot experiments, low temperatures for 7 d after seeding delayed the emergence of Powell amaranth by 3 d relative to rye and increased the suppression of Powell amaranth by rye from 61 to 85%. Our results suggest that winter rye may be more successfully integrated into broccoli production (1) when sown at higher densities, (2) in locations or seasons (e.g., spring) with lower initial temperatures, and (3) in combination with other weed management tools.


2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 444-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Stanley Culpepper ◽  
Timothy L. Grey ◽  
Theodore M. Webster

Few herbicides are available for weed control in vegetable production systems using low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic mulch. With the elimination of methyl bromide for pest management and subsequent use of various alternative fumigants, the need for herbicides in vegetable production systems has increased. An experiment was conducted to evaluate tolerance of transplant summer squash and tomato to carfentrazone, flumioxazin, glyphosate, halosulfuron, or paraquat applied to the mulch prior to transplanting. After applying herbicides overtop of the mulch but prior to vegetable transplant, the mulch was either irrigated with 1.0 cm of water or not irrigated. Carfentrazone did not affect either crop regardless of irrigation. Irrigation readily removed glyphosate and paraquat from the mulch, as there was no adverse crop injury in these treatments. In the absence of irrigation, glyphosate and paraquat reduced squash diameter and tomato heights 18 to 34% at 3 wk after transplanting (WAT). Squash and tomato fruit numbers and fruit biomass (yield) were reduced 17 to 37%, and 25 to 33%, respectively. Halosulfuron reduced squash diameter and yield 71 to 74% and tomato heights and yields 16 to 37% when mulch was not irrigated prior to transplanting. After irrigating, halosulfuron had no affect on tomato, but reduced squash growth and yield 40 to 44%. Flumioxazin killed both crops when the mulch was not irrigated; and reduced squash yield 56% when irrigated. With irrigation, flumioxazin did not impact tomato fruit number, but did reduce tomato weight by 25%. These studies demonstrate the safety of carfentrazone, applied on mulch prior to transplanting either squash or tomato, regardless of irrigation, and also demonstrate the safety of glyphosate and paraquat if irrigated prior to transplanting. Conversely, flumioxazin should not be applied over mulch before transplanting either crop, regardless of irrigation. Halosulfuron application over mulch should be avoided before transplanting squash, regardless of irrigation, but can be applied prior to transplanting tomato if irrigated.


2013 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica R. Goldberger ◽  
Robert Emmet Jones ◽  
Carol A. Miles ◽  
Russell W. Wallace ◽  
Debra A. Inglis

AbstractCommercial farmers have been using polyethylene plastic mulch since the 1950s. Despite the affordability and effectiveness of polyethylene mulch, the disposal process is financially and environmentally costly. Biodegradable plastic mulches, an ecologically sustainable alternative to polyethylene mulch films, were introduced in the 1980s. Biodegradable plastic mulches can be tilled into the soil or composted at the end of the season, reducing the labor and environmental costs associated with plastic removal and disposal. However, research results are mixed as to the effectiveness, degradability and ease-of-use of biodegradable plastic mulches. In 2008–2012, researchers, funded by a USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant, conducted surveys and focus groups in three different agricultural regions of the USA to better understand the barriers and bridges to the adoption of biodegradable plastic mulches for specialty crop production systems. Data on the experiences and views of specialty crop growers, agricultural extension agents, agricultural input suppliers, mulch manufacturers and other stakeholders showed that the major adoption barriers were insufficient knowledge, high cost and unpredictable breakdown. The major bridges to adoption were reduced waste, environmental benefits and interest in further learning. These findings are discussed with reference to the classic innovation diffusion model, specifically work on the innovation–decision process and the attributes of innovations. The study results can be used to guide the activities of those involved in the design, development and promotion of biodegradable plastic mulches for US specialty crop production systems.


2001 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 1808-1821 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela J. Rice ◽  
Laura L. McConnell ◽  
Lynne P. Heighton ◽  
Ali M. Sadeghi ◽  
Allan R. Isensee ◽  
...  

HortScience ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 432-440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric B. Brennan ◽  
Richard F. Smith

Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) production in California uses plastic mulch–covered beds that provide many benefits such as moisture conservation and weed control. Unfortunately, the mulch can also cause environmental problems by increasing runoff and soil erosion and reducing groundwater recharge. Planting cover crops in bare furrows between the plastic cover beds can help minimize these problems. Furrow cover cropping was evaluated during two growing seasons in organic strawberries in Salinas, CA, using a mustard (Sinapis alba L.) cover crop planted at two seeding rates (1× and 3×). Mustard was planted in November or December after strawberry transplanting and it resulted in average densities per meter of furrow of 54 and 162 mustard plants for the 1× and 3× rates, respectively. The mustard was mowed in February before it shaded the strawberry plants. Increasing the seeding rate increased mustard shoot biomass and height, and reduced the concentration of P in the mustard shoots. Compared with furrows with no cover crop, cover-cropped furrows reduced weed biomass by 29% and 40% in the 1× and 3× seeding rates, respectively, although weeds still accounted for at least 28% of the furrow biomass in the cover-cropped furrows. These results show that growing mustard cover crops in furrows without irrigating the furrows worked well even during years with relatively minimal precipitation. We conclude that 1) mustard densities of ≈150 plants/m furrow will likely provide the most benefits due to greater biomass production, N scavenging, and weed suppression; 2) mowing was an effective way to kill the mustard; and 3) high seeding rates of mustard alone are insufficient to provide adequate weed suppression in strawberry furrows.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 439-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Robb ◽  
Geoff Zehnder ◽  
Robin Kloot ◽  
William Bridges ◽  
Dara Park

AbstractOrganic vegetable growers rely heavily on mechanical methods such as tillage and other forms of labor-intensive soil cultivation for weed management despite the negative effects to soil health associated with intensive soil disturbance. The use of cover crops and no-till (NT) vegetable production represents an alternative approach to weed control that can enhance rather than degrade soil health; however, there are challenges inherent with this practice and previous results in vegetable production have been mixed. Field experiments were conducted over 2 yr at the Clemson Student Organic Farm to examine the effects of tillage [NT versus conventional tillage (CT)] on weed development and management in organic tomato and summer squash production under different nitrogen (N) fertility regimes, and to assess soil N dynamics in both systems. Squash yields were similar between tillage treatments in both years. NT tomato yields were 43% greater than CT yields in 2014, whereas CT tomato yields were 46% greater than NT yields in 2015. Squash and tomato yields per unit of management labor (time) were significantly greater in NT compared with CT treatments for both years. There were no statistical differences in squash and tomato yields between N fertilization treatments in either year. Pre- and post-season soil N results were mixed. Pre-season soil N levels were significantly higher in NT tomato plots in 2014 but similar between tillage treatments in tomato plots in 2015 and in squash plots both years. Post-season soil N levels in tomato plots were similar between tillage treatments both years. Post-season soil N levels were significantly higher in NT squash plots in 2014 and in CT squash plots in 2015. Roller-crimped NT mulches provided adequate early-season weed suppression in both years and saved considerable weed management and seedbed preparation labor. Overall, the results demonstrated that organic NT is a viable method for reduced tillage summer vegetable production in the southeastern Piedmont region.


Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Husrev Mennan ◽  
Khawar Jabran ◽  
Bernard H. Zandstra ◽  
Firat Pala

Vegetables are a substantial part of our lives and possess great commercial and nutritional value. Weeds not only decrease vegetable yield but also reduce their quality. Non-chemical weed control is important both for the organic production of vegetables and achieving ecologically sustainable weed management. Estimates have shown that the yield of vegetables may be decreased by 45%–95% in the case of weed–vegetable competition. Non-chemical weed control in vegetables is desired for several reasons. For example, there are greater chances of contamination of vegetables by herbicide residue compared to cereals or pulse crops. Non-chemical weed control in vegetables is also needed due to environmental pollution, the evolution of herbicide resistance in weeds and a strong desire for organic vegetable cultivation. Although there are several ways to control weeds without the use of herbicides, cover crops are an attractive choice because these have a number of additional benefits (such as soil and water conservation) along with the provision of satisfactory and sustainable weed control. Several cover crops are available that may provide excellent weed control in vegetable production systems. Cover crops such as rye, vetch, or Brassicaceae plants can suppress weeds in rotations, including vegetables crops such as tomato, cabbage, or pumpkin. Growers should also consider the negative effects of using cover crops for weed control, such as the negative allelopathic effects of some cover crop residues on the main vegetable crop.


2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 165-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.S. Kornecki ◽  
A.J. Price ◽  
R.L. Raper ◽  
F.J. Arriaga

AbstractRollers crimpers have been used in conservation agriculture to terminate cover crops; however, excessive vibration generated by the original straight-bar roller design has delayed adoption of this technology in the United States. To avoid excessive vibration, producers generally reduce operating speeds that increase the time needed to perform the field operation. The objectives of this research were to identify roller crimper designs that terminated rye cover crops consistently, resulted in soil moisture conservation after use, and minimized vibrations when operated in the field. Six different roller types were developed and tested at 3.2 and 6.4 km h−1 in Alabama field experiments during the 2006, 2007 and 2008 growing seasons. All roller types were used alone and one also in combination with glyphosate. Rye mortalities were evaluated 1, 2 and 3 weeks after rolling and compared with the check (non-rolled standing rye). Soil volumetric moisture content (VMC) was measured at the day of rolling, and then at 1, 2 and 3 weeks after rolling. Vibration was measured on the rollers' and tractor's frames during operation. Mortality for rolled rye 2 weeks after rolling was at least 98% compared with 96% for the check in 2006, 93% for rolling compared with 75% for the check in 2007, and 94% for rolling compared with 60% for the check in 2008 (P<0.10). There were no consistent differences in rye mortality across roller types (without glyphosate) and speeds. VMC for soil in non-rolled rye plots was consistently lower than in rolled rye plots, averaging 3% compared with 7% 2 weeks after rolling in 2006, and 4% compared with 8% in 2008. During 2007, VMC was affected by severe drought conditions, and differences between roller treatments were detected but minor. The straight-bar roller generated the highest vibration on the tractor's frame at 6.4 km h−1 (0.71 m s−2, RMS), which exceeded International Standards (International Standard Office (ISO)). At 6.4 km h−1, new roller designs generated significantly lower acceleration levels from 0.12 to 0.32 m s−2 on the tractor's frame and were below detrimental effects on health ‘health limits’ classified by ISO. Overall, 2 weeks after rolling, all roller designs effectively terminated rye above 90%, which is the recommended termination level of rye to plant a cash crop into residue mat, while protecting soil surface from water loss. New roller designs generate less vibration than the original design and can be used safely at higher operating speeds.


2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 646-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan S. Boyd ◽  
Eric B. Brennan

Weed management is often difficult and expensive in organic production systems. Clove oil is an essential oil that functions as a contact herbicide and may provide an additional weed management tool for use on organic farms. Burning nettle, purslane, and rye responses to 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80% v/v clove oil mixture applied in spray volumes of 281 and 468 L/ha were examined. Log-logistic curves were fitted to the nettle and purslane data to determine the herbicide dose required to reduce plant dry weight 50% (GR50) and 90% (GR90). A three-parameter Gaussian curve was fitted to the rye data. The GR50 and GR90 were largely unaffected by spray volume. Nettle dry weight was reduced by 90% with 12 to 61 L clove oil/ha, whereas 21 to 38 L clove oil/ha were required to reduce purslane biomass to the same level. Rye was not effectively controlled by clove oil. Clove oil controls broadleaf weeds at high concentrations, but its cost makes broadcast applications prohibitive, even in high-value vegetable production systems.


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