- Author: Drew A Wolter
- Posted by: Gale Perez
Weeds in young orchards compete with trees for orchard resources such as sunlight, water and nutrients. This can lead to reductions in growth and future yields. If weed stands are allowed to mature, not only are they harder to control via chemical and mechanical methods, but they can also create cover for voles and gophers which can then damage tree trunks, root systems and irrigation systems.
Weed management can be particularly difficult in newly planted and young orchards because rapid weed growth is accelerated by frequent irrigation necessary to establish trees, fertilizer inputs to grow the trees, and the abundant sunshine due to small tree size. In addition, control is challenging because tree trunks may still be green and...
- Author: Drew A Wolter
- Posted by: Gale Perez
Why scout for weeds?
While weeds are present in every orchard, there is variation in the weed species composition and density from orchard to orchard. Scouting for weeds is the basis for a good Integrated Weed Management (IWM) plan. Information gathered from weed scouting allows growers to:
- Evaluate the current year's weed control program
- Adjust control practices for the following year
- Discover weed stands and possible resistance before they spread throughout the orchard
- Select the best control option for species of concern, such as:
- Choosing appropriate management...
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
There is still time to register for the April 11th SJV Weed Science Extension Day at the Westside Research and Extension Center in Five Points (17353 West Oakland Avenue, Five Points, CA 93624).
The meeting at the Westside Center will focus on agronomic crops, ROWs, and tree and vine systems. The session will also include hands-on weed ID and nozzle selection/drift management training.
The meeting has been approved for 3.5 CDPR continuing education credits (other).
These presentations are free to attend although we do request that you register by calling the UCCE Merced County office at 209-385-7403 to reserve...
- Posted by: Gale Perez
Have you listened to a Growing the Valley podcast? Here are a couple you might want to check out.
Old and New Perennial Weeds with Dr. Brad Hanson
In this short episode, Phoebe Gordon chats with Dr. Brad Hanson, Weed Specialist with UC Davis. They talk about perennial weed management, as well as two species that have recently become problematic in orchard crops: alkaliweed and threespike goosegrass. We don't know a...
- Author: Lynn M. Sosnoskie
There are TWO upcoming weed science extension days in the San Joaquin Valley this April.
The first will be held on the 2nd of April at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier (9240 South Riverbend Road, Parlier CA 93648) and the second will be held on April 11th at the Westside Research and Extension Center in Five Points (17353 West Oakland Avenue, Five Points, CA 93624).
The meeting at the Kearney Center will focus on rangeland, turf, and tree and vine systems while the meeting at the Westside Center will focus on agronomic crops, ROWs, and tree and vine systems. Both meetings will open with hands-on weed ID and nozzle...
