Targeted Mowing to Increase Allelopathy of Rye Cover Crop in a Tomato Production System

Neda Caster Diab, University of Maryland

This project examined whether targeted mowing of winter rye cover crop (Secale cereale L.) would increase its weed suppression ability by increasing levels of rye’s major allelochemicals, Hydroaxamic acids (Hx), and subsequently increase crop yield in an organic tomato production system. The project was conducted on organic farms in Upper Marlboro (2003), and Beltsville (2004), Maryland, using a rye cover crop that was grown as a monoculture and as a mixture with crimson clover, and black mulch.

Region

North Central

Topic

Weed Management, Cropping Systems

Category

Vegetables/Fruits

Date Range

2001-2010

Funding Amount

$10,000

Funding Year

2002

Location

College Park,

Collaborators

Dr. Joseph Sullivan, University of Maryland