Probing Better Ways To Manage Weeds: 2011 Florida Ag Expo Extended Coverage

At the 2011 Florida Ag Expo, Andrew MacRae, UF/IFAS assistant professor of weed science, led a presentation on weed management to improve methyl bromide alternatives. MacRae cited a recent grower survey, which confirmed concerns over efficacy of currently available methyl bromide alternatives. There is work to be done, MacRae said, and it starts with the basics. There are multiple weed control components growers must take into account. “It’s a complete production system,” he said. These components include: site preparation; fumigation; under mulch, row middle, and postemergence herbicide application; postharvest herbicide/fumigant application; and fallow weed management programs.

According to MacRae, nutsedge is on top of the weed hit list for scientists, and the importance of a working fallow program is critical. “Do not allow fields to sit after harvest,” he stressed. “This is the one thing that will kill you over the future. You spray that field with burndown and it takes you six to eight weeks to get that field cleaned up. [In the meantime] You’ve allowed a whole generation of weeds to take over, and put yourself significantly behind.”

A 12-month pest control program works hand in hand with effective weed management. MacRae offered several tips to make this happen: keep your fields clean; use different programs for different fields; and tailor your off-season programs to target your pests.