Weed Control

Introduction

Control of broad-leaved weeds in vegetable crops is very important to minimise losses through weed/crop competition.

Biology

Land used for intensive growing of vegetable crops can become infested with broad-leaved weeds. To minimise competition between weeds and crop it is advisable to treat broad-leaved weeds in vegetable crops before they compete significantly with the crop.

Typical Timing of Weed Emergence
 

Weed

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Cleavers Galium aparine

Charlock Sinapis arvensis

Mayweed Matricaria spp.

Common Poppy Papaver rhoeas

Common Chickweed Stellaria media

Redshank Polygunum persicaria

Knotgrass Polygunum aviculare

Annual Meadow-grass Poa annua

Common Speedwell Veronica persica

Ivy-leaved Speedwell Veronica hederaefolia

Groundsel Senecio vulgaris

Field Pansy Viola arvensis

Darker colour represents peak of emergence

Product Choice

For growers of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, calabrese and cauliflower the weed control program can begin with a soil-incorporated application of Treflan* (active ingredient trifluralin). Treflan is a residual herbicide for the control of broad-leaved weeds and annual grasses. Weeds controlled by Treflan include:

^(a) Strains of some annual grasses (e.g. black-grass, wild-oat, Italian rye-grass) have developed resistance to herbicides which may lead to poor control. A strategy for preventing and managing such resistance should be adopted. Guidelines have been produced by the Weed Resistance Action Group and copies are available from HGCA, CPA, agrochemical distributors, crop advisors and product manufacturers.

Summary

• High weed populations compete with the crop for water and nutrients
• Weeds can harbour infestations of insect pests
• Treflan is an excellent start to weed control programs
• Treflan has activity on grass weeds and broad-leaved weeds

Learn more about Treflan