Professional paper

Weeds and weed management in olive orchards

Zvonimir Ostojić orcid.org/0000-0002-1341-8954 ; Agronomski fakultet, Zavod za herbologiju
Klara Barić orcid.org/0000-0002-1341-8954 ; Agronomski fakultet, Zavod za herbologiju

Abstract

Weed control in olive orchards enhances the development of newly planted trees and improves the growth and yield of established trees. Soil texture, organic matter, pH value and climatic conditions influence which weed species are present and which methods of weed control are required.
Winter annual species such as Common chickweed, Speedwell, Common groundsel, Field chamomile, Field forget-me not, Italian ryegrass and spring annual species such as Fat-hen, Common amaranth, Common purslane, Green foxtail, Yellow foxtail, Hairy finger grass are more common on heavier textured soils. Perennials such as Common couch-grass, Bermuda grass, Johnson grass, Hedge bindweed and Common thistle are more common on stony and rocky soils.
Orchard floor management decisions and management methods used are significantly influenced by location in the state, climatic conditions, soils, topography and grower preferences. Weeds are commonly controlled either mechanically or chemically. In small extensive orchards on rocky or stony soils, usually requires hoeing, cutting and/or pulling of weeds several times during spring and autumn. In intensive growing systems discs, tillers, rotary tillers, or mowers can be used between the rows. Mechanical control of weeds must be done repeatedly when weeds are immature. For chemical weed control only the nonselective herbicide dquat, glufosinate and glyphosate are registered. Diquat and glufosinate can be used to control weeds near young trees protected with shields or wraps. Herbicide glyphosate can control annual and perennial weeds after emergence, but it should be used only around mature trees.
Planted cover crops can also be used to reduce weed populations between tree rows. Herbicide treatments can be used to control weeds into the rows.

Keywords

olive orchards; weeds; weed management

Hrčak ID:

168861

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/168861

Publication date:

1.5.2012.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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