Weed management is a critical aspect of organic specialty crop production. Weeds compete with the crop for light, water and nutrients. They can negatively impact yield and overall quality in vegetable crops. It is estimated that weeds can reduce vegetable yields by 45 percent or more depending on the level of weed pressure and the sensitivity of the crop to competition. Specifically, weed pressure in peas reduced yields by 25 percent to 30 percent, while onion yields were reduced by 67 percent. Weeds that go unmanaged in an onion crop can impede bulb formation, which could lead to crop failure.
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Untreated weeds grow along field edges, which is sometimes referred to as a “trouble spot.”
Field bindweed grows along the plastic mulch-soil interface.
Shielded-sprayer applies caprylic-capric acid-based herbicide to weeds growing in a milo crop.
Field bindweed injury is shown one day after treatment in a milo crop following a shielded-sprayer herbicide application.
Post-emergent non-selective herbicides were broadcast over the top of two-leaf stage onions lead to both weed and crop injury.
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