Comparison of synthetic and organic herbicides applied banded for weed control in carrots (Daucus carota L.)

Abstract

Main, D. C., Sanderson, K. R., Fillmore, S. A. E. and Ivany, J. A. 2013. Comparison of synthetic and organic herbicides applied banded for weed control in carrots ( Daucus carota L.). Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 857–861. The necessity to reduce environmental impact and control the increasing cost of production has many carrot growers seeking new methods of crop management. This research evaluated the potential of applying herbicides in 30-cm bands over the carrot row in combination with between-the-row cultivation to control weeds. Linuron applied in a 30-cm-wide band over the row and linuron applied broadcast provided effective weed control and comparable yield. Clove oil and citrus oil gave slightly better weed control and yield than acetic acid and flaming at the late seeding date. This study demonstrates that acceptable weed control with minimal impact on yield can be achieved with the use of synthetic and organic herbicides applied as a 30-cm-wide band over the row combined with between-row cultivation. This method of weed control provides a 66% reduction in herbicide applied per hectare compared with a broadcast application.