Organic weed management in vegetables: Research, experiences, and opportunities

Authors: Webber Iii, Charles; SHREFLER, JAMES - OSU, LANE,OK; Davis, Angela; Russo, Vincent; BRANDENBERGER, LYNN - OSU, STILLWATER, OK

Submitted to: Proceedings of Southern Weed Science Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/31/2007
Publication Date: 5/1/2007
Citation: Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W., Davis, A.R., Russo, V.M., Brandenberger, L.P. 2007. Organic weed management in vegetables: Research, experiences, and opportunities [abstract]. Proceedings of Southern Weed Science Society, January 22-25, 2007, Nashville, Tennessee. 60:235.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Organic farmers in a national survey ranked weed management as their greatest research need for organic crop production. Scientists from the Agriculture Research Service and Oklahoma State University have combined their efforts to conduct not only organic weed control research, but research involving integrated organic production systems (weed science, economics, genetics, soil fertility, crop physiology, pathology, entomology, and post-harvest physiology). Organic research was conducted on certified organic land at the research station and off-station with organic producers. Organic research was also conducted on land in transition to organic certification or on conventional land. Weed management research with potential application for organic vegetable production includes crop rotations, cover crops, tillage/planting systems, natural and plastic mulches, vinegar (acetic acid), pelargonic acid (a fatty acid), and corn gluten meal. A dozen or more vegetable crops have been investigated, along with multiple technologies to increase application efficiency of potential organic herbicides. Experience has shown that the entire production system must be taken into consideration when developing organic weed management strategie.