ABSTRACT
Weed control is one of the most complex practices of sugarbeet production. The intensity of competition occurs in relation to weed density, species, and the period of competition with the crop. Weeds emerging before or together with the crop are usually more harmful than weeds that emerge later in the season. Thus, it is very important to define the correct intervention strategy by knowing the weeds in the field.
The main chemical weed control techniques used to sustain the yield of the crop include reduced doses of herbicides, mixtures to target a wider spectrum of weeds, and minimization of herbicide resistance risk. Particular attention is also devoted to the quality of the water used in herbicide application as certain water attributes can reduce herbicide efficacy.
The increasing interest, particularly in Europe, towards the so-called ’organic crops’, has encouraged the study of non-chemical techniques for weed control. The later part of the chapter delves into non-chemical techniques for the control of specific weeds. In particular, the biological control of some importat weeds of sugarbeet cultivation is discussed.
Finally, a well-maintained sugarbeet crop is often able to prevail over weeds. This necessitates special attention to crop management in the early stages of crop development.
