Most vegetable crops are characterised by a low plant density, wide row distance, slow initial growth and, as a consequence, poor competitive ability. An integrated weed management (IWM) system is perfectly in line with the aim to produce healthy and environmentally sustainable vegetables. Weed communities represent a dynamic component of agro-ecosystems, the current composition and future evolution of which should be thoroughly studied in order to build effective and efficient IWM systems. IWM consists of two phases: weed population management and direct weed control. In vegetable cropping systems, weed management needs to be based on an integrated approach that involves the use of indirect and direct weed control methods (preventive measures, agronomic practices, physical, mechanical, biological and chemical methods). Optimisation in the use of the few available herbicides and improving and disseminating site-specific weed management are deemed crucial for developing an IWM system that is environmentally and economically viable for vegetable production in Europe.
Chapter 12. Weed Management Systems in Vegetables
TEI, Francesco
;PANNACCI, Euro
2017
Abstract
Most vegetable crops are characterised by a low plant density, wide row distance, slow initial growth and, as a consequence, poor competitive ability. An integrated weed management (IWM) system is perfectly in line with the aim to produce healthy and environmentally sustainable vegetables. Weed communities represent a dynamic component of agro-ecosystems, the current composition and future evolution of which should be thoroughly studied in order to build effective and efficient IWM systems. IWM consists of two phases: weed population management and direct weed control. In vegetable cropping systems, weed management needs to be based on an integrated approach that involves the use of indirect and direct weed control methods (preventive measures, agronomic practices, physical, mechanical, biological and chemical methods). Optimisation in the use of the few available herbicides and improving and disseminating site-specific weed management are deemed crucial for developing an IWM system that is environmentally and economically viable for vegetable production in Europe.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
