Weed management in vineyards, olive groves and orchards

Abstract

This article reviews literature about weed management in vineyards and the most important fruit orchards in Portugal. Data from 2015 for the areas and the most important perennial fruit crops areas and yields in Portugal - grapevine, olive, apple, pear and citrus - are presented. The major losses and benefits arising from weed interference in these crops are detailed. Studies about weed competition, major control methods (mechanical control, chemical control, and cover cropping) are presented, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, it is discussed the suitability of the integration of the three weed control techniques to maximize the advantages of each one and avoid their drawbacks.