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Handheld Flame Cultivators as a Management Option for Woody Weeds

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2017

Katherine M. Ghantous ,
Hilary A. Sandler ,
Wesley R. Autio  and
Peter Jeranyama
Katherine M. Ghantous*
Affiliation:
Department of Plant, Soil, & Insect Science, 101 Fernald Hall, 270 Stockbridge Road, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003
Hilary A. Sandler
Affiliation:
University of Massachusetts Cranberry Station, P.O. Box 569, East Wareham, MA 02538
Wesley R. Autio
Affiliation:
Department of Plant, Soil, & Insect Science, 101 Fernald Hall, 270 Stockbridge Road, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003
Peter Jeranyama
Affiliation:
University of Massachusetts Cranberry Station, P.O. Box 569, East Wareham, MA 02538
*
Corresponding author's E-mail: kghantou@psis.umass.edu
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Abstract

Dewberry is a weed found on cranberry bogs that spreads quickly, causes high yield loss, and has no effective management strategy. Finding options to manage damaging perennial weeds in a perennial crop system, such as cranberry, is key to long-term industry sustainability. This study presents preliminary data on the use of flame cultivation (FC) in cranberry weed management. Utilizing weeds transplanted from commercial cranberry farms to a prepared area at the UMass Cranberry Station, we evaluated three handheld propane-fueled FC instruments: infrared torch, open flame torch, and an infrared torch with a spike. A single, midsummer exposure (zero, low, medium, or high duration) with each FC was tested. The industry standard of using a single wipe application of an herbicide solution (111 g L−1 ae glyphosate, isopropylamine salt) was also included in the evaluation. Dewberry shoot, root, and total biomass decreased linearly as exposure increased; the effect of FC tool type was not significant. Data indicated that, regardless of the specific torch utilized, spot treatment with FC reduced dewberry biomass. The results of this exploratory study suggest that FC may offer an alternative technique for managing woody weeds and that further research is warranted.

Rubus sp. es una maleza que se encuentra en el cultivo de arándano y que se dispersa rápidamente, causa altas pérdida en rendimiento y no tiene una estrategia eficaz de manejo. Encontrar opciones para el manejo de malezas perenes dañinas en sistemas de cultivos perennes, tal como el arándano, es clave para la sostenibilidad de la industria a largo plazo. Este estudio presenta información preliminar sobre el uso de un quemador de llama (FC) en el manejo de malezas en este cultivo. Utilizando malezas trasplantadas de granjas comerciales de arándano hacia un área preparada en la estación de arándano en la Universidad de Massachussets, evaluamos tres instrumentos manuales de gas propano FC: antorcha infrarroja (IR), antorcha de llama abierta (OF) y antorcha infrarroja con una espuela (IRS). Se evaluó una sola exposición a la mitad del verano (duración cero, baja, media o alta) con cada FC. También se incluyó en la evaluación el tratamiento estándar de la industria haciendo una sola aplicación de herbicida con una solución de 111 g/L ea de glifosato, sal isopropylamine. La parte aérea, la raíz y el total de la biomasa de Rubus disminuyeron linealmente conforme la exposición se incrementó y el efecto del tipo de herramienta FC no fue significativo. Los datos indicaron que sin importar la antorcha específica utilizada, el tratamiento localizado con FC redujo la biomasa de Rubus. Los resultados de este estudio exploratorio sugieren que FC puede ofrecer una técnica alternativa para el manejo de malezas leñosas y que se justifica investigación adicional.

Keywords

Glyphosatedewberry, Rubus sppcranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon AitPerennial woody weedsflame weedingthermal weedingintegrated weed managementnonchemical options
Type
Notes
Information
Weed Technology , Volume 26 , Issue 2 , June 2012 , pp. 371 - 375
Copyright
Copyright © Weed Science Society of America 

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