Author
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Webster, Theodore |
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Submitted to: Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Research Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 9/30/2000 Publication Date: 1/1/2001 Citation: Webster, T.M. 2001. Nutsedge (Cyperus spp.) management in cucurbits. Proceedings of the International Research Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions. p.64.1-64.2. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: There is a concern that nutsedges will become unmanageable in vegetables after elimination of methyl bromide. Utilizing elevated temperatures (e.g. solarization, steam, electromagnetic radiation) to weaken nutsedge tubers may be a future component of a weed management system. Yellow nutsdege tubers were more sensitive to high temperatures than were purple nutsedge. Presprouted yellow nutsedge tubers exposed to 50 C for as few as 30 minutes, resulted in greater than 80% tuber mortality. However, yellow nutsedge tubers exposed to 45 C for 8 hours resulted in less than 5% tuber mortality. Another component of this system will likely include halosulfuron, a herbicide with good nutsedge efficacy. Greenhouse studies were conducted to determine the relative susceptibility of cucurbits to halosulfuron. An inverse relation between crop biomass and increasing rates of halosulfuron existed for both direct-seeded and transplanted cucurbits. Transplanted squash had the greatest injury averaged over all rates of halosulfuron, with a plant biomass 60% of the nontreated control. Transplanted cucumbers were the most tolerant of halosulfuron with a plant biomass 94% of the nontreated control. Visual crop injury rating indicated that cucumber was more tolerant to halosulfuron than squash. While there is some variability in halosulfuron tolerance among the tested cucurbit cultivars, halosulfuron may be a viable alternative to methyl bromide for controlofnutsedgesinaplasticulturesystem. |
