5 Tips To Combat Tree Nut Weeds

By Growing Produce Staff|February 10, 2015

With herbicide resistance increasing, it’s critical to remain vigilant to stay ahead of weeds throughout the season. The best practices listed below can help combat common weed threats to nut crops.

Monitor Regularly.
Not all weeds are equal. Some require specific conditions to thrive, making certain locations in the orchard and specific times of year ideal for growth. Monitor regularly, making note of the type of weed, where it grows and the management tactic used so that adjustments can be made as needed throughout the year.

Clean Equipment Before Introducing It Into The Orchard.
Equipment used in a field threatened by weeds can easily contaminate otherwise healthy fields. Clean all tools of plant parts, mud and dirt to avoid the risk of cross-contamination. University of California-Davis recommends harvesting orchards where known herbicide-resistant weeds exist after harvesting other areas.

Rotate Herbicides With Different Modes Of Action.
Weed resistance can occur when using the same type of herbicide repeatedly, a problem many California growers have seen with glyphosate treatments. Using products with different modes of action during the growing season and from year to year can help reduce the development of resistance.

Consider Pre-Emergent Sprays For Prevention.
Attack weeds before they breach the surface of the orchard with pre-emergent products such as Bayer CropScience’s Alion herbicide. Pre-emergent herbicides enter the root systems of the weeds and kill them before they can germinate, complementing contact herbicides that treat weeds after they emerge. Pre-emergent herbicides also have a different mode of action than glyphosate treatments, reducing the likelihood of resistance.