May 2024
Weed Interference with Insect Management in Desert Crops (2024)
Authors:
John C. Palumbo
Effective weed management is critical for the profitable production of vegetable crops in the
desert southwest for all the obvious reasons. However, weed management is also essential for
another important, but often overlooked, reason. Several common weed species found in and
around vegetable crops can serve as host plants to many insect pests that can later infest nearby
crops. Additionally, when weeds are not controlled in the field, they can be an impediment to
effective insect control.