Do Rice Hulls Prevent Weeds in Woody Ornamental Container Production in a Central Florida Growing Environment? Part II

Exploring Rice Hulls as a Cost-Effective Mulch in Florida's Nursery Production*

In the world of ornamental container production, weed control is a formidable challenge, consuming significant time and resources. While methods like preemergent herbicides, mulches, and hand labor are commonly employed to combat weeds, each has its drawbacks. An innovative approach gaining traction in west-central Florida is the use of rice hulls (RH) as a mulch. I have mentioned rice hulls in a previous post (https://hortagent.blogspot.com/2023/05/do-rice-hulls-prevent-weeds-in-woody.html) and wanted to follow up with the research that we conducted. We have determined that rice hull scan stop small weds from germinating but the question that lingered was the economic cost; our research delved into this question.  

The Rise of Rice Hulls in Weed Control

Nursery production in Florida is heavily reliant on hand labor to manage weed growth, particularly in aged crops. Traditional methods such as preemergent herbicides and mulches have been effective in reducing weed emergence and biomass, but they come with certain limitations. Preemergent herbicides, for instance, can impact the growth of ornamental plants and pose environmental risks through runoff. On the other hand, mulches can drive up production costs due to material and labor expenses.

Rice hulls have emerged as a promising alternative. These hulls are the waste product left behind after rice grains are processed. When processed and dried, they form a dry, granular material that can be used as mulch. Research has shown that rice hulls can reduce the germination of small-seeded weeds like bittercress and creeping woodsorrel. However, until now, there has been a lack of cost/benefit analysis to guide growers in making informed decisions about their use.

The Research Methodology

Two studies conducted at a container nursery in Plant City, Florida, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of rice hulls as mulch. The first study, conducted in June 2023, involved recycled rice hulls re-used from the previous season. Bottlebrush liners were potted into containers, and preemergent herbicide was applied. Containers were then divided into two treatments: one with no rice hulls (NH) and one with a top-dress of rice hulls (RH) at about an inch thick on the surface of the pot. The study monitored weeding time and weed fresh weight over 12 weeks.

The second experiment, conducted in February 2024, used newly purchased rice hulls and involved Eagleston holly liners. This study was similar in design to the first, with data collected over eight weeks.  In both studies, overhead irrigation was used.

Results and Discussion

The first experiment revealed high weed pressure throughout the study period. No significant differences in weeding time and weed weight were observed between the RH and NH treatments. Despite the assumption that rice hulls would reduce weed growth, the recycled hulls did not prove effective, likely due to degradation that occurred from the first season's use and the water absorption property they exhibited.

The second experiment showed lighter weed pressure. While the RH treatment required less weeding time, it did not significantly reduce weed fresh weight compared to the NH treatment. Additionally, using recycled rice hulls did not offer any cost benefits, as they were more expensive to employ requiring additional handling and storage.

Economic Analysis

The economic analysis revealed that rice hulls were not a cost-effective solution for weed control. Fresh rice hulls added $105.18 per 1,000 containers in material and labor costs for application and season weeding, while hand weeding every two weeks, and preemergent herbicide costs were significantly lower ($28.54). The use of recycled rice hulls also proved uneconomical due to reduced effectiveness and additional costs.

Conclusion

Based on our research, the use of rice hulls as mulch for weed control in container plants is not recommended under the experimental conditions. While they show potential, the costs associated with their use outweigh the benefits. Hand labor combined with preemergent herbicides remains the more economical approach.  Future studies may explore ways to reduce costs, such as bulk purchasing, reducing transport costs, or automation of rice hull application, but for now, rice hulls do not offer a viable solution for Florida's nursery growers when they are applied by hand at planting.

*This study in its entirety will be published at a future date available at fshs.org.

Do Rice Hulls Prevent Weeds in Woody Ornamental Container Production in a Central Florida Growing Environment?

 

While making my rounds at various nurseries around the county I am finding more and more managers are utilizing parboiled rice hulls as a source of mulch for early weed control in container woody ornamental plantings.  The question is, "Do rice hulls prove to be both an economical and effective solution for weed control?"  When asking this question, I have a lot of anecdotal evidence of weed suppression during the early growth stage of container plant production, but I have very few facts to back up whether there is an economic benefit when comparing the cost of materials, labor costs and the difference between traditional weeding and a preemergent herbicide.

There is good evidence that rice hulls can reduce bittercress and liverwort when applied at depths of ½” to one inch thick on the surface of container soil (Atland, 2019).  Mulches play a crucial role in inhibiting weed growth by creating an unfavorable environment for seed germination. By covering the substrate surface, mulches restrict the access of small weed seeds to essential resources, such as stored energy and nutrients. However, most mulches eventually decompose and become conducive to weed germination, limiting their long-term effectiveness. 

Effective mulches for container crops should possess specific characteristics, including low nutrient content, quick drying properties, and resistance to decomposition. Rice hulls exhibit these desirable qualities, making them a potentially good choice for preventing the establishment of some weeds.

I have seen sawdust or shredded wood being used at nurseries but when I tested the cost and effectiveness in an experiment, there were no economical and no practical benefits compared to hand-weeding and preemergent herbicides. 

Dr. Chris Marble (UF Weed Scientist) and I did a mulch study and published the results. We found that large pine bark nuggets did well restricting weeds but when compared to thin plastic (the kind used for strawberry or vegetable fields); plastic mulch wins hands down (Marble et al, 2019). 

In another study of plastic mulch for weed control, I demonstrated that plastic mulch almost eliminated weeds, reduced water loss, reduced the need for irrigation, and reduced the leaching of fertilizer (Steed et al, 2018). I did find that plants grew slower in plastic mulch, but I speculate that it was due to the lack of leaching irrigation and a dramatic increase in EC and decrease in pH over the growth time.

Soon we will be experimenting with rice hulls and let you know whether it is a good idea to use them as a weed control method or not. 

References:

Atland, James.  2019.  USDA tests PBH rice hulls for weed control in container crops.  Nursery Management Magazine.

Marble, S. C., Steed, S. T., Saha, D., & Khamare, Y. 2019. On-farm Evaluations of Wood-derived, Waste Paper, and Plastic Mulch Materials for Weed Control in Florida Container Nurseries, HortTechnology hortte, 29(6), 866-873.

Steed, S.T., Bechtloff, A., Koeser, A. & Yeager, T. 2018. Response of Japanese privet to plastic mulch applied over nonspaced containers HortTechnology 28 58-65

How Does Mulching in Large Ornamental Production Containers Compare with Preemergent Herbicides?

Season long weed control in large containers that may take six months to a year to finish can be very challenging.  Preventing weed emergence and seeding is critical to maintaining a clean crop and reducing costs.   

We wondered if we could spread a relatively cheap biological mulch over the top of large production containers to reduce weed growth relative to spraying or applying a preemergent herbicide.  We also considered an addition of a tackifier which is a glue to hold down mulch particles for better weed control.

Dr. Chris Marble of UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center and I applied for and received a USDA Southern Sustainable Research and Education On-farm Grant to test the idea.

At four locations and multiple crops, we tested an assortment of mulches:  pinebark, shredded wood, paper slurry, pinebark with paper slurry, sawdust, and we tested with and without the tackifier on all those mulches.  In addition, we included a plastic mulch; the same as vegetable or strawberry growers use. We also included no mulch and a preergent herbicide as controls to see differences.

After a couple of years of research we learned a few things.  All mulches stopped weeds from germinating from the surface soil in the pot early after application.  The more successful mulches over time prevented blown in weed seeds from finding a good spot to become hydrated and gain a foothold on the surface. Plastic mulch was the best followed by large pine bark.

Tackifier had no effect on the mulch performance.

Here is a video of the research that summarizes the work we were able to accomplish.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1AGjuMfqFqhpF667ZPPmOuKH9oqmDJpvR

For a poster style summary you can click here:  https://drive.google.com/open?id=1nPp45rOSFK61ShBU_JwE-VEbR813uA0F

I would like to give a special thanks to Greg Shiver at J&R Nursery and Vincent Tort at Sun City Tree Farm for their on-farm help and USDA SSARE for the funding.

BASF Meeting at Extension Hillsborough County

Join us at the Extension Office as we discuss weeds and pests with guest speakers from UF/IFAS and BASF!

Cogongrass in Hillsborough County

I received a call last week from a landowner who is concerned about the spreading of cogongrass in Hillsborough County.  His concerns are justified considering this invasive grass chokes out natural habitat, creates a fire threat along roadsides, and is costly to control if it becomes established in border areas or pastures.  I also see areas where this grass is taking over the right-of-ways and starting in pastures or home sites with little effort to stop it.  This could create a long and costly battle down the road.

For controlling this invasive weed, only active ingredients glyphosate and imazapyr are suitable as control agents but their use can effect wanted vegetation nearby.  Control will also take a while if only sprays are used, as the rihizomes can resprout and produce new plants in a ring around the edges of where the spraying was done.  Usually multiple sprays over a few years are needed for control.  Think about three years for proper control.  When possible discing or tilling to break the rhizome chains to induce sprouting will help form new sprouts that can be sprayed. 

Here is an article on cogongrass control from the Journal of Invasive Plant Science Management on a study using glyphosate, imazapyr, or the combination at different timings and how control can be achieved in three years. https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/47330    Here is a factsheet on controlling cogongrass in the nursery.  http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/pdf/agriculture/ornamental_production/CogongrassPlantNurseries.pdf

Hort Talks in Manatee County

I am teaming up with Martha Glenn in Manatee County for a session on weeds.  We will be offering up to 4 CEUs in various categories (core and private) at the Manatee County Extension Office.  Here are the details and you can sign up with the link below.  My session is an update on our latest research with weed control.  Specifically, tropical plants and herbicides that can be used with them as well as control in the usual suspects.

Hort-Talks (4 hours of various CEUs)
Thursday, August 25th - Weeds, Weeds, Weeds - the legal but invasive kind.  9:00am - 1:00pm

$25 includes a mid-morning snack

Speakers include:

Dr. Paul Mitola, Field Training Coordinator, Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services will present on Core safety topics

Shawn Steed, Environmental Horticulture Production Agent, Hillsborough/Polk Counties, will discuss Weeds and their Controls

Dr. James Cuda, Professor Biological Weed Control, UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Depart, will show us how to manage invasive weeds sustainably with a focus on biological control.

Here is the link to register.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/commercial-hort-talks-tickets-31102747154?mc_cid=9eac086ba3&mc_eid=e616d8bed9

New Weed Fact Sheets

Two new fact sheets have been released by UF/IFAS to help nursery growers with problem weeds...

 

Biology and Management of Goosegrass (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.) in Ornamental Plant Production

This six-page fact sheet provides information about the biology and management of goosegrass, including preemergence and postemergence control options. Written by Shawn Steed, Christopher Marble, Nathan S. Boyd, Andrew MacRae, and Kiran Fnu and published by the Environmental Horticulture Department.
To check it out click on this link.  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep538

Biology and Management of Thickhead (Crassocephalum crepidioides) in Ornamental Crop Production

Typically found in shadehouses and shaded areas of nursery production, thickhead grows aggressively in containers and can outcompete nursery crops for water, nutrients, and light. This erect, sparingly branched, herbaceous annual, grows up to 4 feet tall and germinates over a wide range of pH, salt, and temperature conditions. This four-page fact sheet describes thickhead (Crassocephalum crepidioides) and various methods for its control in ornamental crop production. Written by Allison Bechtloff, Shawn Steed, Chris Marble, and Nathan Boyd and published by the Environmental Horticulture Department.
Here is the link to this fact sheet.  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep534

Artillery Weed (Pilea microphylla) Control in Ornamentals

If you have grown in a shadehouse or greenhouse in central or south Florida, I am sure that at some point you have probably had to deal with artillery weed.  This weed is most commonly seen in moist areas usually in the greenhouse or shade house.  Commonly found in propagation houses.  It is a creeping plant and re-seeds itself with vigor and can quickly become a problem.

Dr. Chris Marble has done some work looking at controlling this weed with pre and post herbicides in ornamental crops.  Here are some pictures of the work that he shared with us at the Woody Ornamental Production Field Day at Balm and will be published in this year's Proceedings of the Florida State Horticulture Society.
Here are the results of the post-emergent herbicide treatments 5 weeks after treatment (WAT).  You may need to click on the pictures in case they aren't displaying correctly.

Although you can't really tell from this picture in a few more weeks the best treatments were Ronstar, SureGuard and Finale.  Roundup generally sets the plant back with yellowing and a slow down of growth is achieved, however, it is usually a short-term setback and the plant resumes growth after a while.

Here are the results of the pre-emergent treatments 8WAT

A Couple of Nursery Weed Fact Sheets

Here are a couple of new factsheets on identifying two weeds, long-stalked phyllanthus and mulberry weed in ornamental production.  These publications also discuss control options for ornamental producers.

Biology and Management of Long-Stalked Phyllanthus in Ornamental Crop Production

This 5-page fact sheet discusses the characteristics of long-stalked phyllanthus and explains how to control its growth in a nursery environment. Written by Theresa Chormanski, Chris Marble, and Lyn Gettys, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, April 2015.  Photo Credit Annette Chandler.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep518

Biology and Management of Mulberry Weed (Fatoua villosa) in Ornamental Crop Production

This 4-page fact sheet discusses the characteristics of mulberry weed (Fatoua villosa) and explains how to control its growth in a nursery environment. Written by Chris Marble and Shawn Steed, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, April 2015.  Photo credit Annette Chandler. 

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep517

Weed Control Seminar and Demonstration from Southern Ag

I agreed to help Larry Jones from Sothern Ag promote his program he is having in Sumter Co.  Although it is not an official Extension event Dr. Chris Marble a weed scientist from UF will be giving a presentation.  Here is some information if you decide to go.

DECLARE WAR ON WEEDS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2015
9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Strategies to achieve better results with lower costs
Speakers:
Dr. Chris Marble - UF
Bill Bodnaruk – Jon’sNursery

9:30 – Airtec Sprayer Demonstration At Hibernia Nursery
1176 C 478A ● Webster, FL 33597

11:00 – Sumter County Fair Grounds Arena
7620 State Road 471 ● Bushnell, FL 33513
FREE LUNCH catered by Market Restaurant Webster

CEUs Available Private Applicator and O&T

Contact: Larry Jones
941.725.1282

Two New Weed Factsheets

Here are two new fact sheets dealing with ornamental weeds that you might like to read.  We will be having more in the series so comment or shoot me an email of your not-so favorite weeds.

Biology and Management of Eclipta (Eclipta prostrata) in Ornamental Crop Production

Eclipta grows aggressively in containers and can outcompete nursery crops for water, nutrients, and light. Plants flower in as little as five weeks after germination and produce thousands of seeds over the course of a growing season, and stem fragments left on the soil or media surface following hand-weeding or cultivation can root and reproduce vegetatively. This 4-page fact sheet describes the plant, its biology, and recommendations for physical, cultural, and chemical control. Written by Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan S. Boyd, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, January 2015. (Photo: Annette Chandler, UF/IFAS) http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep512

Biology and Management of Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsute) in Ornamental Crop Production

Bittercress commonly grows in the potting media of container-grown ornamentals and often through drainage holes in nursery containers. It also can be a problem in propagation houses, greenhouses, and in the field. This 6-page fact sheet provides species description, plant biology, and management recommendations. Written by Chris Marble, Shawn Steed, and Nathan S. Boyd, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, December 2014.http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep511

UF/IFAS Research and Extension in Hillsborough County get FNGLA Research Award

Extension and research at UF/IFAS work hand-in-hand to solve problems and deliver solutions to growers.  Sometimes it is a top-down approach, with research developed in the lab to deliver to local clients.  Other times extension and research also work from the bottom up at a grassroots level. Occasionally, an Extension agent in the field notices problems that the growers are having and lets researchers know there is a gap in our knowledge of a problem or situation.  Here is an example of a local case where a grass roots approach is working to solve problems growers are encountering every day. I was on a nursery visit at the request of Troy Gordon of Alafia Tropical Foliage, to look at light levels through shade cloth to see what was going on at plant canopy heights.  Mr. Gordon mentioned having very few herbicide tools at his disposal labeled for weeds associated with tropical plants.  I went back to the office to do some digging and found that this research was seemingly lacking in the industry, even though tropical plants comprise nearly 35% of the ornamental trade in Florida and account for $1.4 billion in sales (2010 numbers).  I mentioned this to our local weed science specialist Dr. Nathan Boyd at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center and proposed we write a grant to research herbicides for use in tropical ornamentals.  Dr. Boyd suggested we try the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association research grants.  The good news for our local growers and growers throughout the state is that our grant received funding.  We will now start preparing for the research and will bring you the results when we get them.  This is a great example of how Extension brings “Solutions for Your Life” and how your continued support as a grower of FNGLA and their research endowment helps the industry as a whole stay productive.

Cogongrass Help!

Cogongrass is an extremely aggressive rhizomatous grass that I have seen spreading more and more around Hillsborough County.  I have even seen it taking over nursery production areas under the groundcover as well.  Here is a link to a fact sheet on the weed and below is an update for a program that will help provide cost share assistance with control of the weed.  There is another factsheet below dealing with cogongrass control in pastures.

 COGONGRASS TREATMENT COST-SHARE PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS


Applications accepted through Feb. 27, 2015 to remove invasive plant

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Florida Forest Service is now accepting applications for the Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program. Cogongrass is an invasive, non-native grass, which occurs in Florida and several other southeastern states. Cogongrass infestations negatively affect tree regeneration, growth and survival, as well as wildlife habitat, native plant diversity, forage quality and property values. They also increase the risk of wildfires and alter fire behavior.

The Cogongrass Treatment Cost-Share Program is offered for non-industrial private lands in all Florida counties. It provides reimbursement of 50 percent of the cost to treat Cogongrass infestations for two consecutive years. Applicants who wish to conduct treatments in 2014 may apply from Sept. 22, 2014 through Oct. 3, 2014. Applicants who wish to conduct treatments in 2015 may apply from Oct. 6, 2014 through Feb. 27, 2015.

To learn more about this program and obtain an application form, contact a local Florida Forest Service office or visit http://www.FloridaForestService.com. All qualifying applications will be evaluated and ranked for approval. This program is supported through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service.

For more information about cogongrass and management see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg202

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit http://www.FreshFromFlorida.com.

Integrated Pest Management Update 2014

This year's IPM Update Class is new information regarding weed control. This will be a statewide videoconference. We will discuss Globally Harmonized System for Pesticide Classification, preemergent herbicide trials, weed BMPs, new weed threats to production, and our chemical manufacturers will be giving their updates and any new products that can help in the control of important pests. We will offer CEUs and a free lunch. Don't miss out.  To register click on this link.  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/integrated-pest-management-update-tickets-12274388025

If you have any special needs please call Shawn Steed 813-629-6104.

Spring/Summer Preemergent Herbicide Demonstration Workshop

What weeds do you commonly fight to control at your nursery?  Is the herbicide you use the best on your weed spectrum?  Do your folks know how to calibrate a backpack sprayer?  We will help to answer some of these questions at our Spring/Summer Preemergent Herbicide Demonstration Workshop brought to you by UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Extension and Diamond R Fertilizer. 

On Thursday, May 29, 2014 we will open our demonstration plots of weeds and preemergent herbicides so you can see how well your herbicide measures up against others with extreme pressure.  We used old potting soil with weed seeds and added more commonly found nursery weed seeds in to the mix.  Creating an extreme test for preemrgent herbicides.  We applied 60 days before this workshop so you can see how well they performed over time.  We repeated it four times so you can be certain how well they worked.

At the workshop we will have some weed identification, time to look at and discuss the plots, and we will also go over simplified hands on calibration of a backpack sprayer.  We will also have a great BBQ lunch from Johnson's BBQ to top it off.  2.5 CEUs are available for Private, Orn. & Turf, Lim. Lawn and Orn., Lim. Lawn Maint., and Comm. Lawn and Orn. The cost will be $15.00 plus processing fee.  Click Here To Register!  

 10:00-10:10 Welcome and Opening Remarks

10:10-11:00 Weed id, review weed identification, and weed id resources

11:00-12:00 Calibration of backpack sprayer and review of results

12:00-13:00 Lunch (sponsored by Diamond R Fertilizer)

13:00-14:00 Weed demonstration plot and herbicide discussion

      

New Factsheets from UF/IFAS

There are a few more factsheets for your perusal from IFAS EDIS our Electronic Data Information Source.  This week we've got factsheets on trees, diseases and weeds for your reading pleasure. 

This one is entitled Plumeria:  Propagation from Cuttings http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP48900.pdf
Here is one on identification and control of Impatiens Downey Mildew  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/PP/PP30900.pdf 
Here is a factsheet on one of the weeds that I see at nurseries everywhere. Erect and Prostrate Spurge Managenment in Turf. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP49500.pdf
This is one on a unique tree I haven't seen before. Faber's Maple:  Acer fabri http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP49000.pdf
And here is one on Apalachee Crapemrytle:  Lagerstromia idica x fauriei 'Apalachee' http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP49100.pdf

Preemergent Herbicide Demonstration Plots and Workshop

Only a few days left to sign up to look at the Herbicide Demonstration Plots and Herbicide Workshop for Ornamental Growers. Are your preemergent herbicides working the way they should? Are they controlling the weeds that you have? Come out to the Extension Office to see 20 different herbicides applied at 30 and 60 days prior to the workshop and how well they stand up against the weed pressure. This will be a hands on weed identification, control, calibration and preemergent herbicide demonstration for ornamental plant growers. Attendees will be treated to a lunch and up to 1 Core and 2 PVT, 2 L&O, 2 LL&O, 2 LCLM, 2 O&T Pesticide CEUs. Attendees may bring weeds for ID as well. Attendees must purchase tickets in advance for $35.00 or call Shawn Steed 813-744-5519 ext 54147. If you are a TBWG member tickets are $15.00. There will be no same day registrations due to space constraints. If you have any special needs please notify the Hillsborough County Extension Office 813-744-5519. An agenda is available at http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/ornamental_production/index.shtml If you would like to register for the event go to www.tiny.cc/weedwork

Ornamental Weed and Herbicide Workshop and Demonstration

Are you using the best herbicide for your weed problems? Are you having a problem with a particular weed? Are your employees applying your granular herbicide properly and not wasting it or applying it too lightly? Can you check to know the difference? If you would like to get better answers to these questions, join us for the Ornamental Weed and Herbicide Workshop. On December 12, 2013 at the Extension Office, UF/IFAS Tampa Bay Region Extension will be hosting a workshop for weeds in ornamental plants. We will look at weed ID for some serious new nursery pests and how to identify them. We will be looking at different strategies and cost of weed control. Resources will be mentioned to help with weed ID. We will also check out the preemergent herbicide demonstration trial. See what herbicides are working on what weeds. We have applied 18 different herbicides to compare with an untreated plot. We also have plots that were treated at 4 weeks and 8 weeks so you can see how long different herbicides are controlling weeds. We will also have a hands-on demonstration area for calibrating shaker cans to see how accurately we can apply herbicides. Attendees will be treated to a lunch from Diamond R Fertilizer and up to 1 Core and 2 PVT, 2 L&O, 2 LL&O, 2 LCLM, 2 O&T for a total of three Pesticide CEUs. Bring your weeds for ID as well. Attendees must purchase tickets in advance for $35.00 or call Shawn Steed 813-744-5519 ext 54147. If you are a TBWG member, tickets are $15.00. There will be no same day registrations due to space constraints. If you have any special needs please call the Hillsborough County Extension Office 813-744-5519. Registration is available at www.tiny.cc/weedwork

Ragweed parthenium

I have seen a relatively newer weed starting to line the sides of the road and have been seeing it popping up in nurseries; ragweed parthenium.  This weed is very durable and I have personally seen it lose a few leaves after being sprayed with glyphosate and then bounce right back to reproductive health.  It can grow in areas that are fertile or very inhospitable to plant life, like in the sandy roads between greenhouses.  It is rather troublesome and is even a reported health problem.  I have put together a factsheet and a slide set you can look at to get more information about this weed and it's control.  Here is the link to the slide set. ragweed parthenium slideset

Here is a link to the factsheet.  ragweed parthenium factsheet

New Publication for Nurseries

When I am out and about visiting nurseries, I can usually find someone spraying glyphosate around the edges keeping the place clean.  About 9 out of 10 times the applicator is applying the herbicide incorrectly.  Usually the person applying the spray is standing over the weeds drowning them in herbicide wasting time and money in labor and product.  That prompted me to publish "Proper Use and Handling of Glyphosate in the Nursery"  Here is the link.  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep459  If you would like to read it for a Core CEU credit take this link, read the article, and take the quiz.  If you pass the quiz I'll send you a CEU form.  www.tiny.cc/CEUS  Just scroll down to the last article on the page.