Weed Control in the Landscape / Nursery with Dr. Mark Czarnota


Expert Insights on Weed Management with Dr. Mark Czarnota


In this presentation, Dr. Mark Czarnota, an associate professor of horticulture at the University of Georgia Griffin campus, shares his expertise on weed management in nursery, ornamental plants, and landscapes. With a background in weed science from Virginia Tech and Cornell University, Dr. Czarnota discusses various strategies for weed control, including chemical, physical, and biological methods. He provides insights into the effectiveness of pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides, the importance of weed identification, and practical solutions for difficult weed problems like torpedo grass and Bermuda grass. This comprehensive talk is packed with valuable information for anyone involved in horticulture or landscape management.


00:00 Introduction and Speaker Introduction
00:46 Dr. Czarnota’s Background and Research Focus
03:08 Understanding Weeds and Their Impact
05:16 Challenges in Weed Control
09:02 Weed Identification and Control Strategies
11:55 Physical and Biological Weed Control Methods
19:45 Chemical Weed Control Overview
26:23 Understanding Herbicide Modes of Action
26:53 Glyphosate: Mechanism and Safety
27:05 Herbicide Detoxification in Plants
28:13 Pre-Emergent Herbicides Overview
31:17 Post-Emergent Herbicides Overview
32:57 Combo Herbicides and Application Tips
34:58 New Pre-Emergent Herbicides
36:39 Effective Weed Control Strategies
37:45 Granular vs. Spray Herbicides
38:18 Common Herbicide Application Errors
40:18 Herbicide Breakdown and Environmental Impact
41:00 Organic and New Herbicide Formulations
41:55 Glyphosate Safety and Controversies
43:36 Selective Herbicide Application Techniques
44:37 Q&A Session: Herbicide Challenges


Dr. Mark Czarnota, a weed science expert from the University of Georgia, discussed effective weed management strategies for nursery and ornamental plants. His presentation emphasized the importance of identifying weeds and understanding their life cycles to select appropriate control methods. Dr. Czarnota highlighted the role of pre-emergent herbicides in preventing weed germination and the need for combining physical, chemical, and biological methods for comprehensive weed control. He also addressed specific challenges with weeds like torpedo grass and Bermuda grass, offering practical recommendations for their management. The talk underscored the importance of safe herbicide use, considering environmental impact, and staying updated on weed science research to adapt to evolving challenges.