News » 22.05.2025 - Pathogens and pests: Why weeds worry growers

One of the major challenges in greenhouse container production is weed management, as weeds compete with ornamental plants for essential resources such as nutrients, water, light, and space within a restricted area.

This competition negatively impacts plant quality, reducing their market value and, in severe cases, leading to plant mortality. Weeds not only diminish the aesthetic quality of ornamental plants in nursery and greenhouse production but also serve as reservoirs for various pests, including insects such as whiteflies and thrips, as well as mites, slugs, and snails. Additionally, certain weed species, such as woodsorrel (Oxalis spp.) and bittercress (Cardamine spp.), act as hosts for plant viruses like Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV). These viruses can be transmitted to susceptible ornamental crops by thrips, exacerbating disease management challenges. Studies have documented the role of weeds such as Solanum sarrachoides in harboring Potato Leaf Roll Virus (PLRV), which has been associated with high infection rates in susceptible crops. Similarly, Datura stramonium has been identified as a major host for PLRV in Morocco. Weeds such as Amaranthus palmeri and Chenopodium album have been shown to carry Tobacco Rattle Virus, which negatively impacts plants like sugar beets and potatoes.

Hence, weed removal from greenhouse containers, benches, and floors is essential for maintaining both plant quality and effective pest management strategies.

 

Source:www.floraldaily.com

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