Cultural control of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) in transplanted cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) by varying application timing and type of thin-film mulches

Authors: Johnson, Wiley - Carroll; MULLINIX, JR, BENJAMIN - UNIV OF GA

Submitted to: Crop Protection
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/19/2007
Publication Date: 5/11/2008
Citation: Johnson, W.C., Mullinix, Jr., B.G. 2008. Cultural control of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) in transplanted cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) by varying application timing and type of thin-film mulches. Crop Protection. 27:735-739.

Interpretive Summary: Yellow nutsedge is among the most troublesome weeds of vegetable crop production. Typically, yellow nutsedge is controlled using an integrated system of soil fumigation and selective herbicides. However, these systems are costly, require specialized equipment, and may not be feasible in certain production systems. Irrigated field trials were conducted in Tifton, GA at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station to determine the effectiveness of modified cultural practices in suppressing yellow nutsedge in transplanted cantaloupe production. Thin-film mulches were applied to freshly tilled seedbeds the day of transplanting, 1-wk, 2-wk, and 3-wk prior to transplanting. Mulching materials were clear, black, and white on black low density polyethylene (LDPE), along with a non-covered (bareground) control. Yellow nutsedge emergence in transplanted cantaloupe was suppressed by the combined effects of a physical barrier provided by thin-film mulches and competitive size differential provided by using cantaloupe transplants. All of the thin-film mulches applied to freshly prepared seedbeds either the day of transplanting or 1-wk before transplanting effectively suppressed yellow nutsedge in transplanted cantaloupe production, without the need for fumigants or herbicides. Yellow nutsedge suppression in bareground seedbeds freshly prepared within 1-wk of transplanting was nearly as effective as suppression from thin-film mulches. Seedbed preparation and applying thin-film mulch 2-wk or 3-wk before transplanting did not effectively suppress yellow nutsedge and cantaloupe yields were reduced. In systems where soil fumigation and herbicide use are not possible, yellow nutsedge can be effectively suppressed and crop yields protected by apply thin-film mulches immediately prior to transplanting cantaloupe.

Technical Abstract: Irrigated field trials were conducted in Tifton, GA at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station to determine the effectiveness of timing of applying thin-mulches and mulching materials in suppressing yellow nutsedge in transplanted cantaloupe production. Thin-film mulches were applied to freshly tilled seedbeds the day of transplanting, 1-wk, 2-wk, and 3-wk prior to transplanting. Mulching materials were clear, black, and white on black low density polyethylene (LDPE), along with a non-covered (bareground) control. Yellow nutsedge emergence in transplanted cantaloupe was suppressed by the combined effects of a physical barrier provided by thin-film mulches and competitive size differential provided by using cantaloupe transplants. All of the thin-film mulches applied to freshly prepared seedbeds either the day of transplanting or 1-wk before transplanting effectively suppressed yellow nutsedge in transplanted cantaloupe production, without the need for fumigants or herbicides. Yellow nutsedge suppression in bareground seedbeds freshly prepared within 1-wk of transplanting was nearly as effective as suppression from thin-film mulches. Seedbed preparation and applying thin-film mulch 2-wk or 3-wk before transplanting did not effectively suppress yellow nutsedge and cantaloupe yields were reduced. In systems where soil fumigation and herbicide use are not possible, yellow nutsedge can be effectively suppressed and crop yields protected by apply thin-film mulches immediately prior to transplanting cantaloupe.