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Peppers

Weed Survey: Postplant

Survey weeds after planting, but before hand weeding or cultivation, to identify the spectrum of germinated weeds present. Depending on planting date and location, it is possible that you will find winter annuals, summer annuals, and perennial weeds in various stages.

The most problematic weeds for peppers are bermudagrass, johnsongrass, field bindweed, dodder, little mallow (cheeseweed), nightshades, and nutsedges, which compete effectively with peppers.

Recording weed survey results assists in weed management decisions, including herbicide choice, cultivation methods, rotational crops, and other cultural practices. Review records from previous crops to determine which weeds may be in the seed bank and require control. Information collected over a period of years shows population changes and the effectiveness of your management operations.

How to survey

• Walk through each field in a random pattern and record survey results on a weed survey form (PDF).
• Rate the degree of infestation for each weed species on your weed survey form. Use either a numeric scale from 1 to 5 (1 being the lightest, 5 being the heaviest), or rate as "light," "medium," or "heavy."
• Check fencerows, ditch banks, field edges, and wet spots as these may be problem areas for weed growth and potential sources for wind disseminated seed. Note the dominant species on the monitoring form.
• Pay particular attention to perennial weeds.
• Sketch a map of the field and mark areas with major weed infestations for follow-up control action, noting carefully the location of weeds producing seed.
• Indicate the growth stage of the weed (seedling or mature).

Important links

• Photos of winter annual weeds
• Photos of summer annual weeds
• Photos of perennial weeds
• Example weed survey form. (PDF)
• Integrated weed management

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