Weed Control in Vineyards: Sustainability and Consumer Perception
Grapegrowing Breakout Session
CEUs: 1 – Sign up sheet on-site
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.