In Australian cropping systems, some farmers have started using the concept of tactic groups to improve long-term weed management. Individual weed management tactics are packaged into tactic groups according to the target growth stage of the weed. In a cropping system, combining tactic groups reduces weed numbers, stops replenishment of the seedbank and minimises the risk of developing herbicide-resistant weeds. The same principals apply to weed management in vineyards.
The AWRI has adapted the Grains, Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) table of weed control tactics for cropping systems to suit vineyards.
| Weed control tactic | Mode of action | Method/tool | Method details |
| Deplete weed seed in target area | Encourage germination of weeds – and subsequently kill them | Autumn tickle | A shallow cultivation pass used to stimulate even weed seed germination by bringing weed seeds to the soil surface. When the weeds germinate, they can be controlled with a second cultivation pass. This tactic is ideal for weeds that break germination easily such as annual ryegrass, paradoxa grass and wild radish. |
| Kill weeds in target area | Kill weeds, particularly seedlings | Double knock | The sequential application of two different weed control tools/practices 7-14 days apart ensures that the second pass controls any survivors of the first pass. |
| Cultivation | Good weed control can be achieved by cultivating weeds when they are small and when cultivation coincides with hot, dry weather and dry soils. | ||
| Stop weed seed set | Control weeds before they have a chance to flower and set seed | Mowing/grazing | Mowing or grazing operations timed before weed flowering and seed set can prevent the accumulation of new seeds in the seedbed. |
| Prevent weed growth in target area | Suppress weed germination | Mulch/sown swards/ volunteer swards |
Prevents seeds from germinating by blocking sunlight from reaching the soil surface |
Resources
Integrated weed management in Australian cropping systems (Grains Research and Development Corporation publication)