Title: Weed control utilizing an enclosed thermal heating apparatus
Abstract: Weed control by heat or flaming typically uses flames to burn small weeds directed away from desired crops. This research tests an enclosed flaming system for weed control prior to turfgrass establishment. Field research trials were conducted to explore the efficacy of a PL-8750 flame sanitizer® at two application timings. Treatments included various application methods of PL-8750 flame sanitizer® and common thermal and chemical weed control methods. Data were weed control relative to the control treatment. Species evaluated included carpetweed, Virginia buttonweed, spotted spurge, large crabgrass, goosegrass, old world diamond-flower, cock's-comb kyllinga, and yellow nutsedge. Turfgrass establishment was not successful in summer but was successful in fall. Fall application timing trials resulted in >60% tall fescue establishment at 6 weeks after seeding (WAS) for all treatments. Summer application timing trials resulted in unacceptable turfgrass establishment (≤18%) for all evaluated turfgrass species at 6 WAS. Broadleaf and grassy weeds were better controlled compared to sedge weeds. Overall, solarization, covered emerged-weed flaming, and double applications of covered emerged-weed flaming were the most successful treatments. Solarization controlled carpetweed, Virginia buttonweed, spotted spurge, large crabgrass, and goosegrass >80% at 6 WAS. Weed control across thermal treatments were equal to or greater than the comparison chemical treatment (389 kg dazomet ha-1). Results indicate thermal weed control demonstrates potential for reducing weed populations prior to turfgrass establishment. [Jared Adam Hoyle, J Scott McElroy, and J Jack Rose(2012). Weed control utilizing an enclosed thermal heating apparatus. Weed Technology, in-press. dx.doi.org/10.1614/WT-D-12-00057.1]