Weeds and Vertebrate Management in New Vineyards. Sudeep A. Mathew Agent, University of Maryland Extension

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1 Weeds and Vertebrate Management in New Vineyards Sudeep A. Mathew Agent, University of Maryland Extension

2 Weed Control Research in NC has shown that in order to maximize growth during the establishment year vines must be maintained weed-free for 12 weeks after planting.

3 Reasons for Controlling Weeds Primary Reasons: Conserve soil moisture. Reduce competition for nutrients. Secondary Reasons: Reduce cover for mice & other rodents. Improve air circulation to reduce the incidence of disease. Improve harvest labor efficiency / satisfaction. Reduce competition for sunlight (Only applies for very young vines)

4 Vineyard Weed Management Manage weeds BEFORE you plant!

5 Methods of Weed Control can be divided into two categories Cultural: Mechanical Mulching Burning Biological Chemical: Fumigation Herbicides

6 Root Distribution Under Bare Ground & Sod Although grapevines have an extensive root system, sod between the rows and any weeds down the rows can be very competitive.

7 Vineyard Floor Management Options Under the Row Herbicide strip Mechanical weed management Ground cover Mulch

8 Vineyard Floor Management

9 Vineyard Floor Management Weeds can get out of control quickly!

10 Under the Row Management: Herbicide Strip Advantages Minimal competition Minimal impact on soil structure Low labor Aesthetics Drawbacks Expense Low labor Hunting season Short and long term effect on vines?

11 Vineyard Weed Management Grow tubes protect young vines

12 Herbicide Sprayer Types

13 Vineyard Weed Management Be extremely careful! Roundup (Glyphosate) 2 years later! 2,4-D

14 Herbicide Injury Phenoxy Source: UC Davis

15 Chemical Methods of Weed Control Fumigation: 1. Only suitable for pre-plant weed control. Fumigants that control weeds are toxic to grape vines. 2. Require special equipment to apply. Some require tarps to trap the material in the soil. 3. Very expensive unless the treatment targets other pests: Nematodes Soil-borne diseases

16 Chemical Methods of Weed Control Herbicides: 1. Pre-emergence Non-selective 2. Post-emergence a. Selective b. Non-selective 3. Organic (natural) Corn Gluten Meal (10% N) A potential for grapes, but not yet registered for use. Can be considered as a source of nitrogen.

17 Weed Control with Herbicides Pre-emergence Herbicide Post-emergence Herbicide Applied in late fall or spring before weed seeds germinate. Applied in spring or summer after weed seeds have germinated.

18 Characteristics of Pre-emergence Herbicides Control weeds as they germinate Most must be applied before the weeds emerge, or be tank mixed with a post-emergence herbicide. Require rain / irrigation (1/2 to 1 ), or incorporation into the soil to activate (must be in the seed germination zone). Most have residual activity that provides season-long control, with some carrying over to the following year. Not effective in controlling established perennial weeds. Most are broad-spectrum (non-selective) Generally a given herbicide will provide better control of one type of weed than the other (Broadleaf vs. Grasses). Avoid using the same pre-emergence herbicide each year.

19 Characteristics of Post-emergence Herbicides Control weeds after they emerge Can be selective or non-selective. Stage of weed development can be critical. Kill either a) on contact, b) must be absorbed, or c) be absorbed and translocated to the roots. May require a surfactant or other additive to be most effective. They exhibit no residual activity, and must be re-applied as needed. Can cause injury to the crop Avoid contact with the foliage, canes, and fruit.

20 Grape Herbicides* Pre-emergence Post-emergence Casoron 4G Matrix FNV Aim 2EC Chateau Princep Caliber (3 ys AP) Fusilade DX (NB) Devrinol Prowl (NB) Gramoxone Inteon (R) Gallery (NB) Surflan Poast Goal 2XL Solicam (2 ys AP) Rely Karmex 80DF (3 ys AP) Kerb 50W (6 mo AP, R) Roundup UltraMax Select (NB) Touchdown Some have restrictions regarding when & by whom they can be used: AP = after planting; NB = non-bearing; R = restricted use pesticide * Always read and follow the herbicide label. Select herbicides that meet your needs.

21 Vineyard Weed Management Timing for fall herbicide Application Leaf fall

22 Under the Row Management: Mechanical Weed Control Advantages Minimal competition No long term effect on vines Hilling-up Drawbacks Impact on soil structure Labor/frequency Equipment

23 Mechanical Weed Management

24 Mechanical Weed Management

25 Under the Row Management: Permanent Ground Cover Advantages Maximum competition for vigor reduction No long term effect on vines or soil structure Cost? Drawbacks Choice of cover? Need to mow? Equipment? Harbor insects Reduce air flow Disease?

26 Permanent Ground Cover Herbicide Strip High vigor Ground Cover Reduced vigor Tony Wolf et al. Virginia Tech

27 Permanent Ground Cover

28 Birds Migratory or Local

29 Birds BirdX

30 Bird Netting Fruit Zone Netting BirdX

31 Raccoons and others Have-A-Heart Traps

32 Deer Large herds are common.especially near woods

33 Deer Management Lethal Options Population Management Traditional hunting Managed hunts or sharpshooters Deer contraception not a viable option Non-lethal Options Repellents Scare devices Dogs Fencing

34 Dogs Pairs of dogs can protect acres. Hyperactive dogs that would normally be destroyed are sources from animal shelters

35 Critter Blaster - Pro

36 Deer Fencing High-tensile Electrified

37 Deer Fencing Exclusion

38 Deer Fencing Exclusion!

39 Types of Deer Fencing and Cost per Linear Foot (cost does not include charger) Type of Fence Labor & Material Cost (In dollars) Material Cost Only (In dollars) 8 foot woven wire foot plastic mesh Slanted 7 wire Vertical 7 Wire Spider fence 5 wire Polywire / Polytape

40 Web Resources University of Maryland online resources on wildlife management The Handbook: Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage University of Maryland grape production webpage

41 Acknowledgements Dr. Paul Domoto, ISU Dr. Katie Jennings, NCSU Dr. Joseph A. Fiola, UMD

42 Thank You! Sudeep A. Mathew