- Author: Ben Faber
There has been a good overall discussion of herbicide resistance found in plants and how they can affect orchard management. Check out this presentation by UC Cooperative Extension Weedologist, Brad Hanson, in the "past Webinars" section:
https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucexpertstalk/
And read more about glyphosate resistance in orchards:
- Author: Ben Faber
UC Ag Experts Talk:
Managing Glyphosate-Resistant Weeds in Orchard Crops
Description: One hour webinar about glyphosate-resistant weed management in orchards, delivered by Dr. Brad Hanson. One CEU (other) from the DPR is approved.
Time: Apr 24, 2019 3:00 PM in Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Recorded version will be published on UC IPM YouTube channel about a week after the webinar.
The link to register is https://ucanr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_96wd2GBMQl2Ou4i4oSwTTg
More information about the webinar series UC Ag Experts talk: https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucexpertstalk/
Speaker
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie, PhD
UCCE Agronomy and Weed Science Advisor, Merced and Madera Counties
Weeds compete with crops for light, water, and nutrients, which can result in yield reductions. Weeds can also interfere with crop production by serving as alternate hosts for pests and pathogens, providing habitat for rodents, and impeding harvest operations, among other impacts. Natural areas can also be impacted by weed species when they reduce aesthetics and disrupt ecosystem services. As a consequence, growers and land managers employ a variety of control strategies, including the application of herbicides, to manage unwanted vegetation.
Although herbicides can be effective tools for controlling undesirable plants, failures can and do occur. Weeds may escape chemical treatments for several reasons including: the selection of an ineffective herbicide or herbicide rate, improperly calibrated or malfunctioning equipment, applications made at a time when the target species is not susceptible to control, the use of herbicides under adverse environmental conditions, and the evolution of herbicide resistance.
As of 3 January 2019, there are 496 confirmed cases (species x site of action) of herbicide resistance, worldwide. Current reports provided by the International Survey of Herbicide Resistant Weeds (www.weedscience.org) indicate that 255 different species (148 dicots and 107 monocots) have evolved resistance to 163 different herbicides across 23 of 26 known sites of action. With respect to the United States, 161 unique instances of resistance have been documented. Most resistances (52 cases) are to the acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors followed by the photosystem II (PS II) inhibitors (26 cases), 5-enol-pyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) inhibitors (17 cases), and the acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors (15 cases).
Currently, in California, there are 30 confirmed occurrences of herbicide resistance. Twenty-four of those cases are to a single site of action (Table 1). The most frequently encountered resistances have been to the ALS and EPSPS inhibitors (7 each). Five weed species (late watergrass (Echinochloa oryzicola), barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli ssp. crus-galli), hairy fleabane (Conyza bonariensis), horseweed (Conyza canadensis), and Italian ryegrass (Lolium perenne ssp. multiflorum)) have populations with documented resistance to up to four herbicide sites of action (Table 2).
Growers and land managers can take several actions to thwart the evolution and spread of herbicide resistant weeds. First and foremost is scouting fields following herbicide applications and keeping careful records of herbicide performance to quickly identify repeated instances of weed control failure. Pesticide applicators should ensure that their equipment is properly calibrated and that they are applying effective herbicides at appropriate rates to manage the target species. Whenever possible, diversify herbicides to reduce chemical selection pressure. If appropriate, incorporate physical and cultural weed control practices into a vegetation management plan. Be sure to control unwanted plants when they are small and never allow escapes to set seed. Clean equipment to prevent seeds of herbicide-resistant weed species from moving between infested and non-infested sites and don't forget that unmanaged roadsides, canal banks, fence lines, and field margins, etc., can serve as a source of propagules.
Table 1. A summary of herbicide resistance in California to single sites of action.
Source: www.weedscience.org
Table 2. Weed species in California with confirmed resistance to multiple herbicide sites of action
Source: www.weedscience.org
- Author: Travis Bean
Although the main objective of herbicide use in avocado orchards (and all crops) is to manage weed populations, sometimes unintentional injury of the crop itself can occur when herbicides are incorrectly applied. Herbicide injury in avocado can reduce yield, decrease fruit, reduce plant vigor, increase susceptibility to diseases and pests, and sometimes result in plant death. Common situations resulting in injury include spray drift, tank contamination, application of the wrong herbicide or rates, and herbicide carryover from a previous crop. The extent of herbicide damage on avocado can vary widely according to factors such as herbicide mechanism of action (MOA) and application rate, route of exposure, plant size and growth stage, soil properties, and weather.
Herbicide injury can be difficult to diagnose properly and is often confused with disease, insect damage, nutrient deficiencies, and other environmental stresses. It is recommended that trained researchers or Pest Control Advisers, who may utilize plant tissue, make diagnoses or soil samples along with plant symptoms, injury progression, and other plant species affected, orchard herbicide use history, weather conditions, and other factors to confirm or rule out injury from herbicides or other causes.
Where the injury occurs can also be an indication of herbicide injury. For example, if injury is on just one side of a tree or trees near another field, it may be an indication of spray drift. If it occurs only along the edge of the skirts, it may be a hint that an uneven ground spray was applied.
The majority of herbicides for use in avocado orchards in California fall into eight MOAs as defined by the Weed Science Society of America. MOAs describe the specific biological processes that are disrupted by a group of herbicides. These processes control the growth and development of plants and when interfered with, can result in plant injury or death.
Table 1: Common herbicides used in avocado, their mechanism of action, and possible injury symptoms
WSSA Group |
Mechanism of Action |
MOA description1 |
Example herbicides |
Possible injury symptoms1 |
1 |
Acetyl CoA Carboxylase (ACCase) Inhibitors |
Inhibits lipid creation in grasses, preventing production of plant cell membranes |
Fluazifop-P-Butyl (Fusilade DX), Sethoxydim (Poast) |
Chlorosis, necrotic spots, leaf crinkling, leaf distortion |
3 |
Mitosis Inhibitors |
Inhibits cell division in germinating seedlings and lateral roots |
Oryzalin (Surflan) |
Thickened, shortened lower stems and small, crinkled leaves |
5 |
Photosystem II Inhibitors |
Prevents the transfer of energy generated during photosynthesis, causing a buildup of reactive molecules that damage chlorophyll and cell membranes |
Simazine (Princep 4L) |
Chlorosis, necrosis progressing from leaf margins toward the center of the leaves, foliar applications will appear as leaf burn |
9 |
Enolpyruvyl Shikimate-3-Phosphate (EPSP) Synthase Inhibitors |
Inhibits the production of three aromatic amino acids and the enzymes and proteins built from them |
Glyphosate (Roundup) |
Leaves of trees and vines become chlorotic 3 to 7 days after exposure, and margins of new leaves become necrotic |
12 |
Carotenoid Biosynthesis Inhibitors |
Inhibits production of carotenoid pigments, which harvest light and protect chlorophyll from reactive molecules |
Norflurazon (Solicam DF) |
Plant foliage turns white and appears bleached
|
14 |
Protoporphyrinogen Oxidase (PPO) Inhibitors |
Blocks the production of chlorophyll and causes a buildup of reactive molecules that damage existing chlorophyll, carotenoids, and cell membranes |
Oxyfluorfen (Goal 2XL), Carfentrazone (Shark EW), Flumioxazin (Chateau) |
Drift injury will appear as speckling on leaf tissue. The necrotic spots are sometimes surrounded by a reddish colored ring. Injury from soil applications or residues appears as a mottled chlorosis and necrosis. |
21 |
Cellulose Inhibitors |
Inhibit cell wall synthesis and plant growth |
Isoxaben (Gallery 75 DF) |
Chlorosis, necrosis, leaf crinkling, leaf distortion, purpling of the leaf, and stunting |
22 |
Photosystem I Inhibitors |
Disrupts photosynthesis, forming reactive molecules that destroy cell membranes |
Paraquat (Gramoxone SL) |
Drift injury will appear as speckling or necrotic spots on leaf tissue |
1Not a complete list. Symptoms listed are likely for established orchards. For detailed descriptions of MOAs and injury symptoms, as well as a searchable database of specific injury images (e.g., “chlorosis, necrosis, stem swelling, etc.” visit http://herbicidesymptoms.ipm.ucanr.edu.
References:
Al-Khatib, K. 2015. University of California Integrated Pest Management Herbicide Symptoms. http://herbicidesymptoms.ipm.ucanr.edu (accessed 09/05/18)
Faber, B.A., C.A. Wilen, B.D. Hanson. 2016. Weeds. Pages 107-124 in University of California Integrated Pest Management Guidelines for Avocado. http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/selectnewpest.avocado.html (accessed 09/05/2018)
Sosnoskie, L.M., B.D. Hanson. 2013. Understanding herbicide mechanisms (modes) of action and how they apply to resistance management in orchards and vineyards. UC Weed Science Blog Post. http://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=9383 (accessed 09/05/2018)
Weed Science Society of America. Summary of Herbicide Mechanism of Action
According to the Weed Science Society of America. https://wssa.net/wp-content/uploads/WSSA-Mechanism-of-Action.pdf (accessed 09/05/2018)
Photo: Sometimes weeds are tasty, like amaranth and purslane
- Author: Ben Faber
The following article is from the UC ANR Integrated Pest Management website, authored by Cheryl Wilen.
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74128.html
Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris) is an aptly named summer annual found widely in California. Native to southern Europe, it can grow under a wide range of conditions, but its success is likely due to its ability to thrive in hot and dry conditions where other plants cannot. It can be a major problem in orchards, pastures, turf, and along roadsides and ditch banks. Although it is known to be toxic to sheep, its main weedy characteristic, as indicated by its common names of puncturevine or caltrop, is its spiky seedpods. (A caltrop is a metal device, used to deter passage by vehicles with pneumatic tires or the hooves of horses; it has four projecting spikes so arranged that when three of the spikes are on the ground, the fourth points upward to poke a tire or hoof.) The seeds of puncturevine are enclosed in a hard caltrop-like case that can injure livestock, people, and pets when stepped on and can even puncture bicycle tires. Another common name is "goathead." Growing up in Fresno it was always a problem with bike tires. It seemed that more time was spent tire repairing than riding the bike.
It's distribution is pretty much throughout California and seems more concentrated in Southern California. There have been more calls recently about the plant, but it has been a common complaint for many years.
https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=8024
IDENTIFICATION AND LIFE CYCLE
Puncturevine is a summer annual broadleaf weed that generally grows low to the ground forming dense mats 2 to 5 feet in diameter. The stems radiate out from a central point at the taproot. The plant does not root from the stems. The hairy leaves are opposite each other and divided into four to eight pairs of leaflets that are also opposite each other. Yellow flowers up to 1/2 inch wide with five petals are found in the leaf axils. After the flower is pollinated, a seedpod forms that is a cluster of five flat spiny burrs containing up to five seeds. As the seedpod matures, it turns gray or tan, gets very hard and breaks apart so that the individual spikes, or burrs, can stick into passing animals and tires. These burrs disperse by adhering to tires, shoes and clothing of people, and the fur, feathers, or feet of animals.
Flower
Burr
Puncturevine germinates in the spring and summer from seeds produced the previous year. Good soil moisture and warm temperatures are needed for germination, but after the plant is established it can tolerate dry soils due to its rapidly produced deep taproot. The plant may start flowering within 3 weeks of germination and flowering will continue throughout the summer. Seeds are primarily dormant in the first season, but may germinate the next spring. Seeds may remain viable in the soil for up to five years. Puncturevine plants cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.
IMPACT
A typical puncturevine plant will produce 200 to 5,000 seeds during one growing season, depending on available soil moisture and other environmental factors. These seeds and those that did not germinate from previous seasons will contribute to the potential weed population the following year.
With its deep taproot, puncturevine competes aggressively for water and nutrients in tree and field crops and turf. Puncturevine in hay will markedly reduce the quality of the product.
When allowed to grow unchecked, puncturevine will develop into a thick mat, hiding the sharp burrs. Even under limited growth conditions, puncturevine's prolific production of the seed burrs creates dangerous conditions for livestock, people, and pets.
Grazing livestock in areas infested with puncturevine is not recommended. The sharp spines of the seed burr can injure the mouth and digestive tract or feet of animals. Puncturevine can be particularly toxic to sheep, causing sensitivity to light resulting in skin lesions and swelling of ears and lips. Severe effects include blindness, necrosis of skin, loss of lips and ears, and death in young animals. Additionally, puncturevine may contribute to nitrate poisoning in sheep and cattle. Symptoms of nitrate poisoning include labored breathing, staggering, tongue and the white of the eyes turning blue, and loss of appetite.
Puncturing Vine
MANAGEMENT
Long-term control of puncturevine can be achieved by reducing the amount of seeds in the soil. This is best accomplished by removing plants before they produce seeds (i.e., before or at flowering) and continuing to do so over several years. Burrs that have dropped after removing the plant may be collected and removed by sweeping or raking the ground. Even patting the ground with a piece of carpet will help collect the burrs. Biological control from two introduced weevils is also very effective, but there may be resurgences every few years as the number of the weevils decline along with the population of the puncturevine.
The primary method of management for puncturevine in the home landscape and garden is removal of seedlings and older plants by hand or hoeing, taking care to also remove any burrs that fall off the plant. Avoid bringing puncturevine into uninfested areas on shoes and the wheels of mowers or carts.
Cultural and Mechanical Control
In most situations, puncturevine is best controlled by hand removal or by hoeing to cut the plant off at its taproot. Monitoring the area and removing the weed throughout the late spring and into the summer will greatly reduce the impact of the weed the next year. Shallow tilling (about 1 inch deep) of seedlings or small plants can be effective in larger areas. Deeper tilling is not recommended since this may bury seeds and they may be able to germinate for several years afterwards. Hand removal, hoeing, or cultivation should be initiated prior to flowering and seed production. Mowing is not an effective method of control since the plant grows low to the ground.
Mulches can be used to control common puncturevine in ornamental plantings, orchards, vineyards, vegetable crops, and gardens, if they screen out all light. To be effective, organic mulches should be at least 3 inches thick. However, puncturevine burrs that fall onto mulch surfaces can establish on the mulch surface due to the puncturevine's deep taproot. Synthetic mulches, which screen out light and provide a physical barrier to seedling development, also work well.
Aeration of compacted sites and planting competitive desirable plants can also reduce the impact of puncturevine by making the area more favorable for the growth of the desired plants and reducing resources available to the weed.
Biological Control
Two weevils, Microlarinus lareynii and M. lypriformis, native to India, France, and Italy, were introduced into the United States as biocontrol agents in 1961. Microlarinus lareynii is a seed weevil that deposits its eggs in the immature burr or flower bud and the larvae feed on and destroy the seeds before they pupate and emerge as adults, disperse, and start the cycle over again. Generation time is 19 to 24 days in the summer in southern California. Microlarinus lypriformis is a stem weevil that has a similar life cycle except that it lays its eggs in the undersides of stems, branches, and the root crown. The larvae tunnel in the pith where they feed and pupate. The adults emerge from holes chewed in the upper surfaces of the stems, branches, and crowns. Adults of both species overwinter in plant debris. Although the stem weevil is slightly more effective than the seed weevil when each is used alone, the weevils are most effective if used together and the puncturevine is moisture-stressed.
Both species of weevils are available for purchase from biological control suppliers but purchase and release is not generally recommended because weevils collected from other areas may not survive at your location. In most California counties where releases would be beneficial, county agricultural commissioners have release programs or can direct you to collection sites where you may be able to collect them yourself. Contact your county agricultural commissioner's office for more information.
Emergence hole of the seed weevil, Microlarinus lareynii, in a puncturevine seed capsule.
Chemical Control
Chemical control is generally not necessary for the control of puncturevine in the home landscape. However, in large areas, or places where there was a heavy infestation in previous years so that it's difficult to remove by hand, hoeing, or tilling, herbicides may be used to control puncturevine.
There are few preemergent herbicides that are effective. Products containing oryzalin, benefin, or trifluralin will provide partial control of germinating seeds. These must be applied prior to germination (late winter to midspring).
After plants have emerged from the soil (postemergent), products containing 2,4-D, glyphosate, and dicamba are effective on puncturevine. The smaller or younger the plant, the better the postemergent herbicides work. Dicamba and 2,4-D will injure most broadleaf plants so it is important that they only be applied to the weeds and drift is minimized. They can be applied to lawns without injuring the desired grass. Glyphosate will kill or injure most plants so it should only be used as spot treatments or on solid stands of the weed.
Mouse collection of tasty puncturevine seeds. Thanks to KenGerry
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