Abrasive grit-weeding in apple

Abstract

New forms of weed control may be useful in apple orchards. Abrasive corn cob grit applied under high air pressure was tested for the control of weeds in an established apple orchard over two years. Additionally, efficacy of abrasive grit-weeding was compared to that of hand-weeding. As expected, hand-weeding nearly eliminated all weeds. In contrast, grit-weeding achieved about 90% control of broadleaf weeds, only 15% control of grass weeds, and 70 to 80% control of all weeds. Much of the time and amount of grit used was devoted to suppressing grass weeds. Relatively soft corn cob grit easily abraded and controlled broadleaf weeds. However, harder and more angular grit materials may be needed to control annual and perennial grasses.

Keywords

• weeds
• control
• grit-weeding
• grit
• abrasive
• malus domestica
• physical control