Introduction:

According to the most recent statistics, the United States (US) was the world's sixth largest producer of melons, with a significant proportion (>50%) of the country's production occurring in California. In 2011, 36,900 and 10,300 acres of cantaloupes and honeydews were harvested, respectively. Combined, the crops were valued at an estimated $227 million, which is an increase of 29% over 2010.

Weed control in melons is difficult due to the vining nature of the crop (which can prohibit mechanical cultivation) and the limited availability of safe and selective preemergence (PRE) and postemergence (POST) herbicides. Early-season weed control is crucial in order to prevent competitive...

A few weeks ago, a new herbicide from FMC Corporation was registered for use in some California orchard and vineyard crops. 

Zeus herbicide, with the active ingredient sulfentrazone, now has a supplemental label in the state that allows use on grapes (wine, table, raisin, and juice-types), lemon, orange, pistachio, and walnut (black and English).  You can find labels, and MSDS info from FMC  here:http://www.fmccrop.com/grower/products/herbicides/zeus.aspx

Sulfentrazone is a preemergence herbicide that can...

Ho Ho Holy Cow its going to be cold (in other parts of the country) this holiday break.

Winter and the New Year are great times to think about preventing weed management problems. With the onset of winter rains in many parts of California, weeds have emerged on roadsides, wildlands and the edges of fields. Its a good time to monitor what has emerged and decide if those weeds will need to be treated soon.

Preventing weeds also requires preventing the breakdown of application equipment. We can’t prevent every malfunction, but keeping equipment in good working condition is a good practice. Winter is an excellent time to winterize equipment (as the name suggests) and to also repair any...