Project Code: PRR23-020
Project Leads
A. Nicolle MacDonald – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Andrew McKenzie-Gopsill – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Objective
To assess the efficacy of the potato vine crusher in reducing weed seed input into the seedbank, both independently and in combination with fall-planted cover crops.
Efficient weed management relies on minimizing seed input into the weed seedbank for long-term sustainability. Managing weed seeds has led to the development of harvest weed seed control (HWSC) approaches, focusing on the physical destruction or removal of weed seeds at crop harvest to limit their spread. HWSC has been proven successful in Australia in combating herbicide-resistant ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) in cereals, and ongoing research aims to adapt HWSC globally for various cropping systems. However, HWSC technologies have been limited to combined crops, and HWSC approaches need to be also adapted for horticultural crops, like potatoes (Solanum tuberosum), as they face similar weed threats. In Atlantic Canada, where post-emergence herbicides are limited and herbicide-resistant lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) are present, recent research has explored the potential of a roller mill system for HWSC in potato production. Originally designed to crush European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) within potato vines (PRR03-400) this tool, now known as the potato vine crusher (PVC), has previously shown remarkable potential as a HWSC tool in preliminary stationary testing.
Beginning in 2023, this new project aims to further evaluate the potential of the PVC for controlling weed seeds at harvest in potatoes. Field trials will be conducted at the AAFC's Harrington Research Farm in Prince Edward Island, where the PVC will be assessed in combination with various fall-planted cover crops. The primary objectives are to determine the efficacy of the PVC in crushing weed seeds during harvest and explore potential synergies when combining the PVC with cover crops to optimize weed control. Both post-harvest and post-winter evaluations will be used to gauge the effectiveness of this integrated approach.
The anticipated synergy between the PVC and fall cover crops is expected to improve weed control by increasing mortality of weed seeds and seedlings. By using the PVC alongside other weed control methods, we aim to strengthen integrated weed management practices by reducing seed input into the weed seedbank during potato harvest. Furthermore, the PVC will continue to effectively control European corn borer larvae, providing a unique dual-functionality to support integrated pest management. The project outcomes also have the potential to reduce the spread of herbicide-resistant weeds. Project updates and results will be shared with growers and stakeholders through various channels including demonstrations, publications, grower meetings, and conferences.