Author
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Webster, Theodore |
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Submitted to: Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Winter Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/2006 Publication Date: 1/4/2007 Citation: Webster, T.M. 2007. Nutsedge-vegetable crop interactions in mulched systems [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2007 Southeast Regional Vegetable Conference, January 4-7, 2007, Savannah, GA. p. 64. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Due to the lack of effective control, purple nutsedge and yellow nutsedge are considered the most troublesome weeds of vegetable crops in the Southeast US. It is important to evaluate whether nutsedge control is necessary for economical vegetable crop production. There are several compelling reasons to manage nutsedges in vegetables, including: 1) Nutsedges affect the integrity of polyethylene mulch. 2) Nutsedges hinder harvest efficiency. 3) Nutsedge tubers serve as nematode hosts. 4) Nutsedges will compete with the crop for resources. 5) Nutsedges will compete for light, directly reducing crop yield. Nutsedge interference with vegetable crops raises two important questions: “How many nutsedge shoots are too many?” and “How much am I willing to spend to control nutsedge?” The answers to these questions will be based on nutsedge interference studies with vegetable crops. Typical methods used in interference studies can not be used due to the creeping perennial growth habit of both nutsedge species. Greenhouse and field studies using modified methods to quantify the relationship between nutsedge shoots and crop yield loss have been conducted. Results indicate that nutsedges can cause significant crop yield loss from typical field densities of nutsedges. In the absence of methyl bromide, a greater understanding of the factors that affect nutsedge-crop interactions will be needed, including how mulch type, crop type, and control strategies interact in affecting nutsedge competitive ability and reproduction. |
