|
|
||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
Prolonged flooding during the hot summer months is one of several non-chemical techniques
in use locally to control weed seeds. The primary objective of this technique is
to control diseases although weed control can be an added benefit. The effect of
prolonged flooding on diseases is well documented but its effect on weed seeds is
inconsistent and variable depending upon several factors including weed species,
depth in the soil, duration and depth of water, temperature and other factors. This
technique works better here in the low desert than it does in many places because
of the high temperatures and high respiration demands. The availability of oxygen
is cut off to the roots when it is most needed. It is still necessary to keep the
field continuously flooded at a depth of 6 to 8 inches for 3 to 8 weeks. Some species
are much more sensitive than others to this technique. Perennial weeds are more
sensitive than are many annual weeds. Pigweed, field bindweed and nutsedge survive
while many annual grasses do not. The ability of some species to develop adaptive
traits that allow them to survive has been reported. For instance, some have developed
the ability to elongate above the water line or store carbohydrates go dormant during
flooding.
Flooding for Weed and Disease Control
To contact Barry Tickes go to: btickes@ag.arizona.edu.
|
|||
Back | |||
For questions or comments on any of the topics please contact Marco Pena at the Yuma Agricultural Center.
|
|||
Home |
Cotton | Veggies |
Forages | Grains
| Citrus |
Crop x Crop Insects | Diseases| Weeds | Pesticides | Economics | News | Weather | Research | Photos | Contacts | General Info. Copyright © 2001 University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Webmaster: Al Fournier (acis@ag.arizona.edu) |