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Weed Free Plants

David Kerr, Ornamental Crops Development Adviser, Greenmount Campus, CAFRE

Greenmount Campus was the location for a recent workshop, attended by over 35 growers, demonstrating innovative new methods of controlling weeds in ornamental horticulture.
The workshop commenced with John Adlam from Dove Associates updating growers on current herbicide treatments to control weeds in containers and in the field, based on recent research and field experience in GB nurseries. John Adlam said, ‘Growers can reduce the costs of preparation and dispatch of plants for market by accurate identification of the weed problem and selection of the best control method’. Growers attending the workshop were pleased to learn how to identify key weed problems and plan weed control programmes to suit their crops.
David Kerr, CAFRE’s Ornamental Crops Adviser informed growers of existing technology development on-going at the Horticulture Development Centre, Greenmount Campus. The work centres on assessing non chemical methods for weed control in containers. This work demonstrated that disks made from various fabrics such as Jute, Coco fibre and Hemp can reduce weeds significantly. David Kerr told growers “No herbicides are required in this system which makes it more environmentally and operator friendly”. Further assessment of different types of disks will continue next year with all results available to growers.
For further information on future training events for ornamental crops, contact David Kerr Tel: 028 3751 5645, or email david.kerr@dardni.gov.uk
David Kerr Ornamental Crops Development Adviser, Greenmount Campus demonstrating the non chemical weed control project at Greenmount Campus
David Kerr Ornamental Crops Development Adviser, Greenmount Campus demonstrating the non chemical weed control project at Greenmount Campus
Matt Lohan, Teagasc, Kinsealy, David Kerr, Ornamental Crops Development Adviser, Greenmount Campus, Ben Henry, Mussendon Nurseries, Castlerock and John Adlam, Dove Associates discussing weed control disks
Matt Lohan, Teagasc, Kinsealy, David Kerr, Ornamental Crops Development Adviser, Greenmount Campus, Ben Henry, Mussendon Nurseries, Castlerock and John Adlam, Dove Associates discussing weed control disks
Terence Metcalfe, Ballynahinch, Co. Down, Teresa Maguire, Horticulture Technologist, Greenmount Campus and Michael McKenna, Madden, Co. Armagh viewing laurel growth in pots and air root growing pots during the weed control workshop
Terence Metcalfe, Ballynahinch, Co. Down, Teresa Maguire, Horticulture Technologist, Greenmount Campus and Michael McKenna, Madden, Co. Armagh viewing laurel growth in pots and air root growing pots during the weed control workshop