Want to move away from herbicide reliance? Are you using novel technologies to manage weeds? We want to know about it to inform our weed science research. Weed Technology Survey link: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEpfAijoP7puQDP
As you know, weeds can be a significant problem in berries, tree fruits, tree nuts, and vine crops (e.g. grapes, hops, etc.) especially after transplanting and during flowering and fruit set. Despite herbicide resistance limiting efficacy and off-target risk of phytotoxicity damage to trunks, shoots, leaves and flowers, herbicides remain a primary tool for managing weeds. Many growers are transitioning to organic systems to address consumer preferences or satisfy export markets.
Novel technologies in perennial cropping systems such as automated harvesters and pruners and canopy sensing sprayers can reduce labor costs and the amount of pesticides applied to bushes, trees, and vines. Novel weed control tools that eliminate or reduce the need for herbicides are actively being developed and marketed. These new technologies could play an increasingly large role in future crop production, particularly in high-value specialty crops that 1) have limited herbicide options, 2) are sensitive to herbicide injury, and 3) are heavily reliant on a labor market that is simultaneously growing more scarce and more expensive.
A team of weed scientists from University of California Davis, Oregon State University, and Cornell University are asking berry, tree fruit, tree nut, and vine crop growers to take 5 to 10 minutes and answer this short and anonymous survey. Weed Technology Survey link: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEpfAijoP7puQDP
Tell us about your current weed management practices and your interest in novel technologies, like vision-guided sprayers and cultivators, and electric, steam, and pressurized water weeders. This will help us plan future research and extension projects on weed management with your needs in mind.
There’s always a chance that we forgot to include some amazing tools that are emerging on the horizon; please feel free to e-mail Lynn Sosnoskie at lms438@cornell.edu and let her know what you think the future of weed control looks like.
Thanks for your time! We appreciate your support of weed science research.
Weed Technology Survey link: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEpfAijoP7puQDP
This post contributed by Lynn M Sosnoskie, PhD, Assistant Professor, Weed Ecology and Management for Specialty Crops, School of Integrative Plant Sciences - Horticulture Section, 221 Hedrick Hall, Cornell AgriTech, Geneva NY 14456, lms438@cornell.edu. Twitter: @vegfruitweedsci Instagram: specialtycropweedscience