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Funded Project |
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Funding Program:
Regional IPM Competitive Grants - Northeastern |
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Project Title:
Comparison of Herbicides, Fabric Discs and Mulches for Preventing Weeds in Nursery Containers |
Project Directors (PDs):
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Lead State: CT Lead Organization: University of Connecticut |
| Undesignated Funding: $55,665 |
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Start Date: Jul-15-1998 End Date: Jul-31-2001 |
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Pests Involved: weeds |
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Site/Commodity: nursery crops |
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Area of Emphasis: cultural controls, mulches |
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Summary:
Weed management in the production of ornamental plants in containers has not received as much research attention as that for weed management in field-grown crops. The concept of integrated weed management as the application of numerous weed control practices, which include cultural, genetic, mechanical, biological and chemical measures, has been discussed as a legitimate management strategy for vegetables and forage crops (Baldwin & Santelman 1980, Elmore 1996, Swanton & Murphy 1991 and Wyse 1994). However, most non-chemical weed management practices possible for field crops such as tillage, cover crops, planting patterns and crop rotation are not options for container-grown nursery plants. Thus, herbicide-based programs are currently the standard for nurseries growing ornamentals in containers.
The last census of agriculture in the United States (1987 to 1992) showed increases in the following statistics for nursery crops (which the census combines with greenhouse, mushroom and sod production): 21% increase in the number of farms; 17% increase in open production acres; and a 24% increase in sales (US Dept. Come. 1994). With the increased growth and value of the ornamental plant industry, and the actual or perceived threat of chemical pesticides, non-chemical control options must be explored for container weed management. Two possible weed management options for container-grown nursery crops involve the placement of fabric discs or mulches on the surface of the potting mix. We propose to examine these materials for efficacy in preventing weeds, and practical utility in terms of cost, time and convenience. Experiments will be conducted at two nurseries in Connecticut: Summer Hill Nursery in Madison, CT and Planters' Choice Nursery in Newtown, CT. The proposed 3-year study consists of a randomized complete block design with four replications per treatment. Each plot will contain three containers each of two newly-potted woody ornamental species. Treatments will include an untreated check, two herbicide treatments (standard granular and spray treatments), two types of fabric discs, and two different mulch materials. Herbicide treatments will be applied, according to label recommendations, three times during the growing season of each year. Treatment evaluations will consist of ornamental plant vigor and injury, weed control, numbers and weights of weeds by species; and the time needed to hand remove weeds. An economic analysis will be conducted to determine the efficiency of each treatment in terms of overall cost. Any non-chemical weed management methods shown to be effective would expand from the model nurseries to others in the state via lectures, on-site demonstrations and written material. The long-term goals of this project are to provide nurseries with non-chemical weed management alternatives, and to reduce the environmental impacts and human exposure to herbicides. Off-site movement of herbicides is of particular concern in Connecticut because agriculture is in close proximity to urban and suburban areas. Objectives: We propose to compare the efficacy, longevity and costs of weed control in containers provided by fabric discs and mulches to that of standard nursery herbicides. Previous experimental trials have shown that fabrics and mulches will control weeds (Craig & McHenry 1988, Martin et al. 1991, Robinson 1988 and Skroch et al. 1992). None of these earlier studies were conducted in containers. Also, only Craig and McHenry conducted any cost comparison of the treatments. A cost/benefit analysis comprises a crucial part of our proposal. If discs or mulches prove to be successful weed control options, but inflate the overall weed management costs, growers should be informed before they consider changes in their pest management program. The scope of this project is designed to target the overall Northeast Region IPM Grant Program objectives of: 1.) profitable and environmentally sound practices; 2.) reduced reliance on pesticides; and 3.) protection and conservation of ecosystem quality and diversity. Research 1. Compare the treatments for their effectiveness as a weed control management option compared to standard herbicide applications. 2. Conduct a cost analysis to see which treatment provides the best combination of weed-control capability and economic benefit. 3. Present results at scientific conferences and publish in weed science and/or horticultural journals. Extension 1. Present research findings to growers and other extension personnel in Connecticut and the Northeast region. 2. Produce an effective, cost-efficient weed management tool, to take the information directly to individual nurseries via the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension Nursery IPM Program. 3. Document the changes in herbicide cost and use at the nurseries that adopt new methods. Outcomes and Impacts Summary from 2001 IPM Center report IPM researchers have focused a great deal of attention on nonchemical weed management for field crops, but little has been done to find similar solutions for ornamental plants grown in containers. As a result, nurseries use primarily herbicides to control weeds, typically applying them three to four times a year. These herbicides can leach or run off, affecting ground- and surface-water. Nursery crops are the top agricultural product in Connecticut. Recent increases in the growth and value of the ornamental plant industry have made finding alternatives to herbicide-based programs a high priority. Connecticut researchers evaluated a weed management system that eliminates most of the uses of herbicides in container nursery production. They found that fabric discs and mulches can effectively control weeds, improve convenience, and avoid the loss of herbicides to the environment. Product costs for fabric discs and mulches are higher than those of herbicides, but time and labor costs are reduced because these treatments need to be applied only once. The project team is spreading the word about these results via lectures, on-site demonstrations, and journal articles. The new information is also being disseminated on websites for the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (caes.state.ct.us) and the University of Connecticut's IPM program (hort.uconn.edu/ipm/ipmprog.htm). The research and outreach efforts are providing nurseries with effective, nonchemical weed management alternatives, while helping to reduce environmental impacts and human exposure to herbicides. |
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