Last winter, we initiated two trials investigating the use of band-steam for controlling Sclerotinia lettuce drop and weeds in lettuce. Band-steam is where steam is used to heat narrow strips of soil to levels sufficient to kill soilborne pathogens and weeds (>140 °F for > 20 minutes). Trial results were promising and summarized in a pre-recorded presentation prepared for the 2021 ASABE Annual International Meeting. Highlights included finding that treatment with steam provided better than 85% weed control, and the unexpected result that crop yields were improved by more than 24% (Table 1). Energy requirements were high and treatment costs were more than $650/acre. We concluded that band-steam may be a viable technique for controlling soilborne pests in high value vegetable crops if the significant yield increases found in the study can be realized. For all the nitty gritty details and to see the presentation, click here or on the links below.
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Weed |
Weed Control |
Hand Weeding |
Head |
Marketable |
Marketable |
|
Treatment |
(no. ac-1) |
(%) |
(hr ac-1) |
(lb head-1) |
(%) |
(lb ac-1) |
|
Band Steam |
9,148 b1 |
86 |
7.7 b |
1.60 a |
80 a |
32,909 a |
|
Non-treated |
65,713 a |
0 |
10.4 a |
1.46 b |
69 b |
26,521 b |
|
*Means within columns followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (P=0.10) |
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Fig. 1. Click on the image to see a presentation on the development and
evaluation of a novel band-steam applicator for controlling soilborne pathogens
and weeds in lettuce.
