How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

LITTLE MALLOW (Cheeseweed). Cheeseweed is a winter annual or biennial plant that forms hard seeds, which can remain dormant for long periods of time. It generally germinates in fall after rainfall or an irrigation but may germinate any time during winter and spring. The seed is not controlled with methyl bromide but most preemergent herbicides, especially oxyfluorfen and oxadiazon, are effective. Oxyfluorfen is also effective applied postemergence to the young plant. Glyphosate is not very effective against this weed.

YELLOW NUTSEDGE. Yellow nutsedge, sometimes call nutgrass, is a perennial sedge that is often confused with a grass. Fumigation before planting is very effective in controlling this weed. Repeat applications of glyphosate (before five-leaf stage when new tubers are formed) will reduce populations over time. If the area is left fallow, halosulfuron can be used and then the crop can be planted the next season. Most preemergent herbicides do not control nutsedge, but metolachlor (Pennant) will suppress the sprouting of the tubers. Soil solarization will reduce yellow nutsedge but will not eradicate it.

BURCLOVER. Burclover is a winter annual that can be a problem if herbicides are not used. Though it is relatively low growing, it is difficult to keep off of the trees and shrubs. Most preemergent herbicides other than those in the dinitroaniline family (e.g., oryzalin, prodiamine, trifluralin) will control burclover.

PUBLICATION

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Floriculture and Ornamental Nurseries
UC ANR Publication 3392
Weeds
C. L. Elmore, Weed Science/Vegetable Crops, UC Davis
C. A. Wilen, UC IPM Program, UC Cooperative Extension, San Diego Co.

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