NAMDEVCO Pumpkin Production Profile

Weed Control:

Pumpkins are not very competitive with weeds especially in the first few weeks of growth because they are planted in widely spaced rows, are short in stature, and require 8 to 10 weeks to close the canopy. The use of seedling transplants can assist in better control of weeds in the early stages.

As the vine senesces later in the crop, this will potentially open the crop canopy, which allows weeds to establish and produce seeds.

Weed control can be achieved with herbicides and a good crop-rotation system. Several pre-plant and post-emergence herbicides are available for pumpkins, depending on the specific weed problem and pumpkin growth stage. If infestation levels are low, early cultivation (prior to vine running) can help minimize weed problems.
The five methods of weed control:

Preventive,
Chemical,
Biological,
Mechanical &
Cultural

Any combination of these methods would constitute an Integrated Management Program.

Preventive Control:

Preventive control is self-explanatory. It literally means to keep the weed or weeds from invading your land. Do this by inspecting your land for any unwanted or noxious weeds. Any plant that looks as if it should not be were it is, may be a potential weed. Once a weed is found, eradicate it immediately. Do not let the weed have a chance to reproduce.

Chemical Control:

Herbicides used properly by following the instructions on the label and with common sense, are one of the main methods of control. Herbicides have several different modes of action. Before purchasing any herbicide, read the label to ensure that particular herbicide will do what you intend it to do. There are herbicides that will only affect broadleaf plants. Some will only affect grasses. These type herbicides are called selective. Some herbicides are non-selective, that is they will effect all vegetation or most of it. All this is found on the label.
One method of chemical weed control is the Stale Seedbed Method. This method requires tillage to prepare the seedbed for planting. This process breaks dormancy and triggers the emergence of early emerging weeds. Generally, the greatest proportion of the weed seed bank will emerge during the initial flush. After weeds have emerged they are destroyed with contact herbicides (e.g. glyphosate (Roundupâ)), tillage, or burning. Tillage at this stage can result in an additional flush of weed emergence as soil mixing may break the dormancy of additional weed seed in the soil.
Glyphosateâ provides broad-spectrum weed control and is a highly effective herbicide for managing many perennial weeds. Glyphosate is well suited for stale seedbed techniques.
Gramoxoneâ is an effective contact herbicide when using stale seedbed techniques. Gramoxone will damage all leaf tissue coming in contact with spray droplets, but will not translocate within the plant.
Selective herbicides such as Fusiladeâ can also be used to control of annual and perennial grass weeds in pumpkins.

Biological Control:

Biological control is the use of living agents as a method of control. These agents can be; insects, bacteria or fungi. Some of these agents are very successful, while others are not satisfactory. Most of these agents are limited to certain site criteria before they are effective. Inspect your land or site to ensure that the criteria is met before using any of these agents.

Mechanical Control:

Mechanical control is the use of machinery, or any form of manual exertion (work) to control weeds. This includes the use of mowers, ploughs, chopping, etc. Mechanical control is very sensitive to timing to be effective. Mowing, ploughing or chopping needs to be done at the plants correct stage of growth. A common example is to plant the crop in the middle of the cambered bed and then plough in the weeds on either side of the planting hole. Most mechanical controls need to be done several times during the growing season.

Cultural Control:

Cultural control is probably the most sensible control method available. It simply means to change something to make it harder for the weeds to grow or become established. Grazing, crop rotation, reseeding, and fertilization are all cultural practices that can enhance weed control.