ABSTRACT
For many countries viticulture is one of the most profitable sectors of crop production, while it is often located in areas with high slopes, low organic matter and high erosion risks. Weeds compete with grapevines for water and nutrients, thereby potentially reducing plant vigor and yield. Weed management is considered to be one of the greatest technical challenges of viticulture, especially in organic farming systems. In the present chapter, some of the key points of several weed control methods are given. In particular, aspects of methods such as mechanical control, cover crops and mulching, thermal control, cultural or preventive methods and chemical control are discussed and special attention is given to widespread problems like herbicide resistance. Integrated weed management examples in grapevines are also shown. The extend and consecutive application of the same herbicides during the growing period has negative impacts on ecosystems and the profitability of viticulture, signaling the need for the development and implementation of integrated weed management strategies in order to ensure agroecosystems’ sustainability.
