045: Vineyard Floor Management - Herbicide Alternatives with Dr. Marcelo Moretti

In this episode, I have a conversation with Dr. Marcelo Moretti on some best practices for vineyard floor management. We discuss integrated weed management strategies, the use of organic herbicides, and the implementation of cover crops to promote vine health and combat weeds. Dr. Moretti also shares the challenges and advantages of various non-traditional methods, including the use of traditional and novel mechanical tools. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• Methods to manage a vineyard floor other than conventional herbicides.

• The ecological and economic benefits of alternative approaches.

• Cover crops and the importance of cordon height for sheep grazing.

• Selection and adaptation of mechanical weed control tools.

• Common mistakes when transitioning to mechanized vineyard management.

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Resources:

• Listen to Episode 17 to learn more about using sheep in the vineyard.

• View Marcelo Moretti's weed-zapping machine video.

• Visit VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/newgrower to register to learn more about the NEW Young Vineyard Management Course.  Use the code UNDERGROUND50 at checkout to get $50 off the regular course price through the end of June 2024.

• If you have questions about today's episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. 

Today's Guest:

Dr. Marcelo Moretti is an associate professor at Oregon State University and serves as a research and extension specialist for weed science in perennial horticultural crops. His research is focused on integrated weed management aiming to develop strategies that are effective and economical to manage weeds in organic and conventional production systems.

Connect with Marcelo:

• Research Website: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/people/marcelo-moretti 
• Email: [email protected] 

Episode Sponsor:

Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today's episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at [email protected] with any questions.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.