An evaluation of weed control strategies for large-scale organic potato production in the UK

Weed suppression in the early stages of crop production is crucial if optim um yields are to be obtained in organic potato crops. Many of the weed cont rol strategies currently used in small-scale organic farms are costly and/o r labour intensive and may be unsuitable for use by the growing number of s pecialist, high acreage, organic potato producers in the UK. This review ex amines the range of pre and post-emergence weed prevention and control tech niques available to organic potato growers throughout Europe. The relevance and cost-effectiveness of these weed control strategies is assessed in rel ation to UK conditions and growing systems. The potential for use of novel weed control measures is discussed with reference to current UK organic sta ndards and production methods.