AGROECOLOGICAL WEED MANAGEMENT IN CITRUS


Tünk S., Uygur S., Hançerli S.

International Citrus Congress 2022 , Mersin, Turkey, 6 - 11 November 2022, pp.154

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • City: Mersin
  • Country: Turkey
  • Page Numbers: pp.154
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Weeds are one of the main pest in citrus orchards. Nearly twenty weed species were recorded as the main weeds. Chemical weed control is the most preferable methods to control them because of easy use and quick result. As in the several crops, to reduce the environmental side effects of herbicides, to solve resistance problems and to provide sustainability in citrus orchards, it is necessary the use agroecological management methods. Cover crops, mulching and mowing were the most effective ways to manage weeds. The experiments show that the cover crops (the most effective species respectively; radish (Raphanus sativus L.), rye (Seceale cereale L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa L.) were reduced the weed density and coverage (%). The mulch textile as a mulching material was the most efficient to regulate weed populations. It was also reduced water losses and help other pests control. Mowing by a weed trimmer could be used in small sized orchards or in citrus tree rows. All these weed management methods will control the noxious weed species and protect beneficial flora and fauna in citrus agroecosystem.