ABSTRACT
The development and implementation of successful weed management systems for horticultural crops depend upon the consideration of many factors relevant to both crops and weeds. Some of these factors include growth cycle (annual, biennial, perennial), growth habit (prostrate, vining, tree), habitat (well-drained soils [e.g., strawberries]; acidic soils [e.g., blueberries]; high organic matter soils [e.g., onions, celery]), and climate (cool-season [e.g., broccoli], warm-season [e.g., tomatoes], long growing season [e.g., citrus]). See Chapter 2 for a detailed discussion. Because all of these factors together define a unique production system for any one crop, and because weed management is only one aspect of overall crop production, weed management practices should be designed to minimize interference with other aspects of crop production. For example, broadcast herbicide applications to some fruit crops during flowering may disrupt insect pollination and reduce fruit set and yields.
