Weeds are major problems in crop production. Organic farmers in particular face a greater challenge for weed control because they can not use herbicides. While herbicide research is well advanced, weed control techniques for organically grown produce have received little attention. Our research studies different methods of weed management permissible in organic farming such as thermal and mechanical tools to identify their effect on weeds and crops at different growth stages. A more extensive report is available here.

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OPTIMISING TINE WEEDING IN ORGANIC PEA CROPS

OPTIMISING TINE WEEDING IN ORGANIC WHEAT

Grass weeds are emerging as potential threats for cereal growers. Several species of brome (Bromus spp.) are particularly difficult to control in no-till and conventional farming systems. Among these, sterile brome (B. sterilis), ripgut brome (B. diandrus) and soft brome (B. hordeaceus ) are more common in Canterbury. Our research in the past few years have resulted in several effective chemical treatments. A more extensive full report can be seen here.

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CHEMICAL CONTROL OF BROME GRASSES (BROMUSSPP.) IN CEREALS

GRASS WEED CONTROLAND HERBICIDE TOLERANCE IN CEREALS

This research project will locate and identify different species of brome and will study some aspects of the biology of the above two species. The aspects which will be studied are seed dormancy, short-term longevity and the soil depth from which seeds can emerge. These are important in decision making for best management practices aiming at minimising the impact of weeds.

 

 

Glasshouse and field trials have been conducted to determine optimum herbicide treatments for controlling yellow flag iris and convolvulus.