Weeds can be an issue in any California avocado grove, and particularly in young groves. A grower’s ability to manage weeds is critical to production and high-quality yields, but several factors make it challenging — herbicide resistance, changing regulations, limited availability of herbicides, costs, safety concerns and a limited workforce.
A team of Iowa State University weed scientists and sociologists are conducting an anonymous survey among specialty crop growers to determine what weed control tools and technologies growers are aware of or are interested in and what factors drive or hinder growers from adopting weed management technologies. Numerous new weed control technologies — such as autonomous robots, precision sprayers and electric weeders are available. The researchers would like to assess general awareness of and interest in these technologies.
Data from the survey will be used to help shape future research and development of weed management options.