How Ornamental Growers Can Optimize Herbicide Calibration for Better Profits
Weed control promotional business banner | Envu
Envu is working to help ornamental growers increase profits with the release of “Herbicide Calibration,” an educational video demonstrating calibration and application best practices. Weeds can be controlled by hand-weeding, treating weeds with postemergence herbicides, or with the timely application of preventative or preemergence herbicides. “Herbicide Calibration” is a resource tool for the industry to use to learn precision preemergence herbicide application to deliver the intended benefits of long-lasting, broad-spectrum control — reducing labor demands and potential re-treatment costs.
“Growers are confronted with many challenges as they manage their crops, such as inclement weather, labor issues, product supply shortages, and constant invasions of unwanted pests,” says Janna Beckerman, Ph.D., Green Solutions Team Specialist at Envu. “In terms of overall costs, the number one expense in a nursery is weed control. University experts estimate the cost of weed control in a container-grown nursery to be greater than $4,000 per acre, which includes labor and chemical costs.”
As stated, there exist varying methods of weed control, including non-chemical options such as organic mulching and hot water applications. However, while these methods show promise and are being experimented with to expand their effectiveness, they lack applicability for large-scale crop productions, creating the need for a chemical-based extension of integrated pest management (IPM) solutions, including herbicides.
“University research has shown that treating a nursery bed in two directions offers the best distribution of herbicide granules,” says Beckerman. “We are hopeful the video, along with the Envu product portfolio, will be a useful tool for growers as they work to grow beauty from the ground up.”
Find more educational resources from the Green Solutions Team at Envu by visiting us.envu.com/ornamentals.
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