Eggplant Integrated Pest Management AN ECOLOGICAL GUIDE

________________________________________________________________________________________Weed management9 WEED MANAGEMENTSUMMARYThe most important time to keep the field free of weeds for eggplant production isgenerally in the first 4 to 6 weeks. By then, the crop is large enough to shade outlate-emerging weed seedlings or is otherwise competitive with weeds. Before andafter this weed-free period, weeds can be suppressed by several cultural practicesincluding mulching, and cover crops.Use of herbicides alone is usually not the most economical method for weed control.Good cultural and crop management practices are the backbone of any weedmanagement program. The most desirable weed management program is one thatwill control existing weeds economically and prevent a buildup of weed seed ortubers, rhizomes, etc. in the soil. Such a program includes integrated use of severalcrop management practices which may include any of the prevention practices listedin 9.4.Biological weed control options, such as weed-controlling fungi, are being studiedand may become available in the near future.156Eggplant Ecological Guide