Vineyard Weed Management
(book excerpts)Weeds can present problems in vineyards, just as they do in many cropping systems. Weeds compete with grapevines for water, light, and nutrients; however, the effects of this competition vary throughout the life of the vine. Weeds may also serve as alternate hosts for disease pathogens, nematodes, and insects, and they can also provide a habitat for vertebrate pests. Gophers are most often found in non-tilled vineyards, which feed on the roots and can weaken or kill young vines. The effect of competition from weeds is most severe in the first three years of grapevine establishment. Weed competition can decrease survival, severely retard vine growth, and delay vineyard entry into production. In established vineyards, the critical period of weed competition occurs from bloom until véraison, when days are long, the grapevine leaf area is maximized, and soil moisture may be a limiting factor. During the winter months, the presence of weeds as groundcover is not considered a problem and may not adversely affect the vines. In fact, weeds may help conserve soil and improve tilth, while also providing access to vineyards during the winter months.
Click on the following topics for more information on vineyard weed management.
Topics Within This Chapter:
- Weed Biology
- Life Cycle of Weeds
- Annuals
- Biennials
- Perennials
- Reproduction in Weeds
- Weed Seed Banks
- Weed Emergence
- Beneficial Weeds
- Cultural Weed Control
- Cover Crops
- Effective Cover Crop Species
- Cover Crop Residues as Mulch
- Allelopathic Cover Crops
- Quarantine
- Mulching
- Plastic Mulches
- Controlling Weeds by Mowing
- Types of Mowers
- Flaming
- Advantages and Disadvantages
- Timing of Flame Weeding
- Controlling Weeds by Cultivation
- Weather and Soil Conditions Suitable for Cultivation
- Mechanical Weed Control Implements
- Row-Middle Weed Control
- In-Row Weed Control
- Chemical Weed Control
- Herbicides
- Preemergence Herbicides
- Postemergence Herbicides
- Soil-Active Herbicides
- Herbicide Treatment Options
- Weed Management Before Planting
- Treatment Options in Young Vineyards
- Treatment Options in Established Vineyards
- Application Rate of Herbicides
- Timing of Herbicide Applications
- Equipment Used in Applying Herbicides
- Other Herbicide Considerations
- Herbicide Resistance
- Herbicide Spray Drift
