Speaker:
Leslie Weston, Cornell University, Department of Horticulture
Abstract:
In recent years, alternative weed management strategies which minimize herbicide inputs into the landscape and turf have received increasing attention. In some municipal areas, herbicide use has been restricted. We have spent 5 years evaluating weed suppressive ornamental groundcovers for use as low-maintenance alternatives in landscape settings, as well as allelopathic fine fescues for enhanced weed suppression in turf settings. Results of research conducted in upstate NY and Long Island have been promising, with several groundcovers and turfgrass cultivars providing greater than 95% weed suppression once established, and tolerating difficult planting sites, as well as droughty conditions.
Biography:
Leslie worked for 12 years on the faculty of the University of Kentucky as a horticultural weed scientist with emphasis on herbicide physiology and mode of action. At Cornell University, her research focus is on turf and landscape IPM systems for weed management, with emphasis on alternative weed management stragtegies, including use of allelopathic or weed suppressive crops. Research is also focused on biology and ecology of difficult to manage invasive weeds such as mugwort, Japanese knotweed and pale swallowwort. Extension emphases include landscape, nursery, Christmas tree, roadside, turf weed management.