HANDS-ON WORKSHOP AND DEMONSTRATION PLOTS HELP ORNAMENTAL CONTAINER GROWERS FIGHT WEEDS
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Shawn Steed
Environmental Horticulture Production Extension Agent
Hillsborough County Extension Service
Seffner
Abstract
Weeds are a considerable economic pest for woody ornamental plant growers. Pre-emergent herbicides and hand weeding are typically used to control weed seed germination and minimize impacts from weeds for environmental horticulture container growers. A regional hands-on workshop was developed to assist growers to manage container weeds more efficiently and economically. Class subjects covered weed identification, nursery weed best management practices, and a weed management success story. A hands-on, herbicide calibration education section was held outdoors to teach proper granular herbicide application. Growers viewed demonstration plots that were created to screen 19 pre-emergent herbicides and organic mulch combinations for efficacy against fall/winter weeds commonly seen in woody plant production. Growers were able to assess herbicides and weeds combinations that would work for their situations. Class time was allowed for a shared discussion of plot observations. Participants reported 87% change in herbicide/weed knowledge, and 100% reported that their practices would change from the workshop. 96% believed that the workshop would save them money and estimated savings of $3,700 per year.
Authors: Steed, S. T.
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Steed, S. T. Environmental Horticulture Production Extension Agent, Hillsborough County Extension Service, Florida, 33584