Vol. 127 (2014): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Ornamental, Garden & Landscape

Ornamental preemergent herbicide efficacy

S. T. Steed
UF/IFAS
2014 Proceedings Florida State Horticultural Society Volume 127

Published 2018-03-15

Abstract

Weeds are a considerable economic pest for woody ornamental plant growers. Preemergent herbicides are typically used to control weed seed germination and minimize impacts from weeds. Demonstration plots were created to screen seventeen preemergent herbicides, one organic mulch, and one organic mulch/herbicide combination for efficacy against fall/winter weeds commonly seen in woody plant production in Hillsborough County. Used potting soil containing weed seeds was used as the foundation of the plot substrate. Weed seeds from green kylinga (Cyperus brevifolius), bittercress (Cardimine spp.), doveweed (Murdannia nudiflora), beggar’s ticks (Bidens alba), prostrate spurge (Euphorbia maculata), hyssop spurge, (Euphorbia hyssopifolia) artillery plant (Pilea microphylla) and crabgrass (Digitaria spp.), were collected from local nurseries and raked into the top one inch of the plots. Preemergent herbicides were then applied over the top of the 4.3 square foot plots. Herbicides and weeds were observed at 30 and 60 days after treatment for efficacy and compared.