Screening glyphosate-alternative weed control options in important perennial crops

Treatments included the applications of glyphosate, pelargonic acid (two times), flazasulfuron, oxyfluorfen, flumioxazin,
mowing (one time), barley residue management, white mustard residue management, and an untreated control.Herbicide application and the management of two cover crops’residues were common weed control treatments in all trials. All herbicides were applied with a pressurized Gloria® 405 T sprayer (Gloria Haus & Gartengeraete GMBH, Witten, Germany) calibrated to deliver 300 L ha−1 of spray solution at constant pressure through five 8002 flat-fan spray nozzles (spray angle: 80o ). Direct spraying was carried out between rows and plants in the row.

The objective of the current study was to conduct an initial screening of glyphosate-alternative weed control options in three important perennial crops in southern Greece. Field trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the alternative weed control strategies in comparison with glyphosate. Alternative herbicides currently registered and available to farmers in the EU were tested. Mechanical weed control and treatments related to cover crop residue management were also evaluated.