Do organic weed control systems have a fit in controlling herbicide resistance?

S. J. Shirtliffe^* and C. Redlick

Abstract

Weed control systems for organically-grown crops have been developed that have no reliance on herbicides. However, weed control in organic cropping systems is often poor, and as a result, complete reliance on non-herbicidal weed control can be unsatisfactory.

This presentation will critically evaluate the ability of cultural and mechanical weed control techniques to control herbicide-resistant weeds. To do this, recent field research in non-herbicidal weed control from western Canada will be evaluated.

Choosing competitive varieties, increasing the seeding rate and using narrower seed rows can increase the competition of a crop with weeds. Of these methods, increased seeding rate is often the most effective; although it can result in higher instances of plant diseases. Mechanical weed control systems are often used in organic systems, but most cannot be used in no-tillage systems. However, rotary hoes can be used for weed control in no-tillage systems as they have good crop residue clearance and can control small broadleaf weeds. The initial results of a field experiment suggest that integrating alternative herbicides, higher seeding rates and rotary hoeing results in effective control of herbicide-resistant broadleaf weeds in lentil.

Source

Proceedings of the Global Herbicide Resistance Challenge Conference. Fremantle, Australia. 18-22 February 2013.

Author Locations and Affiliations

Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
* Corresponding author, E-mail steve.shirtliffe@usask.ca


Posted May 2013