Techniques for Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. control suitable for use in fallow organic transition in the southeastern U.S. coastal plain

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers, is a troublesome perennial grass and extremely difficult to control in organic crop production systems. Research trials were conducted to evaluate systems of C. dactylon control during fallow organic transition. Treatments evaluated were all possible combinations of two primary tillage implements (power spader, disk harrow), summer weed management (solarization, fallow tillage with a peanut digger, and non-treated control), and winter tillage (fallow tillage with a peanut digger and non-tilled control). C dactylon densities were reduced by combinations of summer solarization or summer tillage with a peanut digger, followed by winter tillage with a peanut digger. The peanut digger displaced C. dactylon and exposed the vegetative material to desiccation. However, control using these systems for one season was not sufficient enough to prevent re-infestation by survivors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.