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Nutsedge control in field-grown feverfew in southwest Mississippi.

Article Excerpt
ABSTRACT

Field studies were used in 1999/2000 and 2000/2001 to investigate 'Black Plastic', 'Weed Barrier' and 'Pine Bark Nugget' (treatments) for purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) control in field-grown feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). The effect of mulch applications on feverfew plant growth and shoot mineral compositions, soil properties and economics of production were also investigated. The synthetic mulches (black plastic and weed barrier) had greater control of nutsedge than organic mulch (pine bark nuggets) and unprotected control. Mulch applications influenced branches per plant and shoot dry weight only in 1999/2000 study season. Number of branches was greatest for black plastic but was not significantly different from weed barrier. Shoot dry weight was also greatest for black plastic, but lowest for weed barrier. Plant survival for both study periods was perfect (100%) for all treatments during the first three evaluation periods. The variations during the fourth evaluation period were also not significant. During the 1999/2000 study season shoot potassium was greatest for weed barrier and lowest for pine bark nuggets which had the greatest shoot nitrogen and magnesium compositions. Soil extractable nutrients were greatest for mulch treatments compared to the control, except for potassium. Profitability from treatments varied with study period. Six mil black plastic will control purple nutsedge, increase shoot dry weight and increase profitability more than weed barrier, pine bark nuggets and unprotected control, especially if the desire is to use the mulch materials for more than one growing season. Feverfew transplanted into field plots in October as fall crop in southwest Mississippi will overcome the mild winter in the region and grow to maturity for the following spring or early summer harvest. It is therefore a good alternative crop for farmers with desire to grow medicinal plants in southwest Mississippi.

INTRODUCTION

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), a perennial herb belongs to the family Compositae. Its strong and lasting ordor makes it an excellent ingredient in making insect repellents. It is also rich in sesquiterpene lactones essential oils, flavonoid and costic acid. It produces histamine, while inhibiting the production of prostaglandins and serotonin (5-HT) believed to contribute to the onset of migraine headaches. It has the tendency to lower blood pressure, stomach irritation and painful or sluggish menstruation (Hoffman, 1995).

Feverfew is commercially cultivated in Japan, Africa and Europe. However, like other herbs, weed competition is a major problem in its successful production. It competes poorly against weeds and grasses. Although weed control is essential to its production, no herbicide is labeled for their control. Moreover, although weeds in crop fields have been suppressed or controlled chemically (Igbokwe, 1996; Porter, 1993; Teasdale and Frank, 1982)) the adverse effects of extensive use of chemicals on human health and the environment cannot be overemphasized. Pesticides can contaminate ground and surface waters (Ritter, 1990; Sachs, 1993), create a hazard to agricultural workers, and leave residues in vegetables (National Research Council, 1987; Zibberman et al., 1991). Most perennial herb gardens benefit from a layer of mulch by assisting with the uniform distribution of soil temperature and moisture. It also discourages weed growth by blocking light to prevent seed germination (Felty, 1981)....

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