Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

2016

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Plant Science

First Advisor

Peter J. Sexton

Keywords

corn, flame weeding, organic, soybean, weed control

Abstract

Weed management is the main yield-limiting factor in production of organic crops. Currently, organic producers have limited resources available for in-row weed management. Flame weeding has been recognized for its potential as one part of an integrated approach at weed management in organic systems. Flame weeding uses propane fueled torches to heat plant tissue and denature proteins, thus injuring or destroying the affected tissue. When properly timed, flame weeding can effectively be used for weed control in corn and soybean fields. Corn and soybean have both shown tolerances to flame weeding and minimal yield loss with well-managed and timed flame treatments. Research was completed over the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons to evaluate whether flame weeding is economical on a field scale. Research was done using large replicated blocks across three locations with at least three replications at each location. The objectives of this study were to observe and evaluate flame weeding in corn and soybeans in a production environment. In both seasons of this study (2013 and 2014), flaming treatments tested showed no significant negative effect on yield across all locations in corn and soybean plots. In terms of weed biomass in corn, of four site years tested, one site showed a significant reduction in weed biomass (p

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Corn -- Weed control -- South Dakota

Soybean -- Weed control -- South Dakota

Corn -- Organic farming -- South Dakota

Soybean -- Organic farming -- South Dakota

Prescribed burning -- Evaluation

Propane flames

Description

Includes bibliographical references

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

78

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Included in

Weed Science Commons

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Rights Statement

In Copyright