A presentation at the Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute outlined how to control weeds using herbicides and steam.
Weeds are a problem for most in Florida agriculture, including Florida citrus growers, but an innovative control method was the focus of one of the presentations at the recent Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute. According to a Citrus Industry article about the April 2nd presentation, growers can utilize a “combination of early management, herbicides and steam” to control weeds. See the details below.
Florida Citrus Growers’ Institute Presentation: Controlling Weeds
The presentation on weed control was shared by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) weed scientist Ramdas Kanissery. Kanissery’s presentation included the following points.
Stop weeds from setting seeds. Kanissery maintained that he received this tip from growers. “Never let ’em set seed. It means manage the weeds and control them at a very early growth stage,” he shared.
If weeds are allowed to set seeds, Kanissery maintained that, “basically you’re creating a big seed bank in the soil that’s going to come back to you each and every season.” He advised utilizing a management approach that addresses both seeds and seedlings. “Do a combination of pre-emergent programs with a post-emergent,” he shared.
Use steam. Kanissery shared that using steam to control weeds “…is sustainable weed management” that utilizes “a less chemical approach,” that can be used in conjunction with herbicides. “Use a non-chemical approach to improve the efficacy of the chemical,” he advised.
Use a herbicide. Lastly, he advised adding an herbicide into a weed management strategy.
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