Recently weed management, especially chemical weed control with glyphosate has become controversial with consumers questioning the methods, and in some cases the need for weed control in vineyards because often their only experience with weed control is for aesthetics. Weed control has always been an important component of vineyard management. Disease and insect management are usually a much higher priority in most vineyards. Weed management inputs are often minimized when pest management budgets are reduced. “Acceptable” weed management was still achievable because effective, relatively inexpensive herbicides were available to combat weeds in the short-term.

Organic, Sustainable, Conventional: What weed control options are available to growers? Why is weed control important? How will grapegrowers adapt to a new paradigm for weed control. How do they balance the economics of a “sustainable” vineyard with the perceptions and demands of the consumer. In this session we hope to explore these questions with a combination of university research and grower perspective. Our hope is that the presentations will kindle open discussion by attendees to address the issue.

Moderator
John Roncoroni, University of California Cooperative Extension, Napa County

Speaker
Luca Brilliante, California State University, Fresno
Chris Storm, Vino Farms, California