On larger areas, chemical weed control is an unavoidable measure, as weeds start germinating before carrots and grow faster, which can prevent carrot germination or “suffocate” the young crop.
The choice of herbicides and the timing of their application depend on the weed composition (broadleaf or narrowleaf, annual or perennial), weed size, soil type, and carrot cultivation method. Total herbicides can be applied after weed germination but before carrot germination. Weeds can also be mechanically controlled by inter-row cultivation.
Herbicides approved in Croatia and globally for use in crops from the Apiaceae family:
| Crop | Active Ingredient | l/ha or kg/ha | Application Time | Action Spectrum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrot, Parsnip | Glyphosate | 2 – 4 l 1) or 4 – 8 l 2) | After sowing and before crop emergence | Controls all emerged weeds |
| Carrot, Parsnip | Pendimethalin | 3 – 4 | After sowing, before emergence | Annual narrowleaf and some broadleaf weeds |
| Carrot, Parsnip | Metribuzin | 0.25 – 0.5 | After sowing, before emergence | Annual broadleaf weeds |
| Carrot, Parsley* | Fluazifop-p-butyl | 1.5 (2 – 4) | After weed emergence | Annual (lower dose) and perennial (higher dose) narrowleaf weeds |
*Not registered in Croatia for this purpose
- In small volume
- In larger volume
