By Ramdas Kanissery
Citrus growers face weed management problems throughout the year due to favorable conditions that allow the rapid growth of weeds in groves. A weed-free tree row is desired in citrus to minimize competition with the trees. This can be achieved by utilizing post-emergent herbicides that control the weeds that have already emerged.
Growers have several product options to choose from based on the herbicide’s selectivity and mechanism of action. These herbicide products may also vary in their usage and restrictions. Now growers can have all this information in one place to help them decide which post-emergent herbicide may be the most appropriate for their situation. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recently published an Electronic Data Information Source document titled “Quick Reference Guide to Postemergence Herbicides for Citrus Weed Control” to address this need.
This quick reference table provides growers with brief but helpful information on the different post-emergent herbicide options available in citrus. This includes mode of action, entry restriction intervals, preharvest intervals, types of weeds controlled, etc. The table also provides insights into the usage rates and offers specific tips for a successful weed management outcome while using these herbicide products. In addition, the document provides an acid equivalence (AE) conversion table for glyphosate-based products to calculate the amount of the product needed to achieve the recommended AE rate per acre.
This printable document is based on the Florida Citrus Production Guide and herbicide product labels. This resource will allow growers to have instant information on herbicides that they plan to use and will assist them with selecting an effective post-emergent herbicide program. The PDF version of the document can be printed and distributed easily among the herbicide application crew for quick referencing for rate suggestions and restrictions. While the table is focused on post-emergent herbicides, UF/IFAS is working on putting together a similar reference table for pre-emergent herbicides used in citrus weed control.
Ramdas Kanissery is an assistant professor at the UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center in Immokalee.
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