When greenhouses are empty, there is an opportunity to thoroughly eliminate weeds to reduce problems for the next crop cycle. Weeds are a persistent problem, needing constant attention in both retail and wholesale greenhouses. Weeds create a poor impression to customers and are a primary source for pests such as whiteflies, aphids, thrips, mites, slugs … Read more
Like an athlete who struggles against a tough competitor, weeds compete in strawberry fields, and often are victorious, much to the detriment of growers. “Weed competition of course can damage strawberries, but due to the value of the crop, weeds aren’t left to compete,” said Steve Fennimore, a Cooperative Extension specialist in the Department of … Read more
Grape growing in the South continues to grow as farmers look to supplement their incomes, or people interested in getting back to nature try their hand at planting varieties they believe will bring them a unique value-added product. Recognizing the interest among farmers in North Carolina to seek out alternative crops, Horticultural Extension Agent Carl … Read more
The rise of an herbicide-resistant weed Pigweed, Amaranthus, is a broad-leaf annual that is fast becoming a major problem for vegetable and fruit growers. The plant is reproduced by seeds—in fact, thousands and thousands of seeds—and it appears in all zones of the United States. Identified as an erect annual herb, the weed is branched above, rough … Read more
Growing robust squash not only provides a bountiful harvest but helps grow a large enough canopy to overshadow pesky weeds. Jonathan Schultheis, a North Carolina State University Extension specialist, indicated that weed plants such as pigweed, lambsquarter, cocklebur and ragweed can invade squash plants if these weeds’ growth is too great. Control Schultheis suggested growers … Read more