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A Computable Economic Threshold Model for Weeds in Field Crops with Multiple Pests, Quality Effects and an Uncertain Spraying Period Length

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 May 2017

Michele C. Marra
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics
Thomas D. Gould
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics
Gregory A. Porter
Affiliation:
Department of Plant and Soil Science, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, 04469
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Abstract

A model is developed to determine the minimum weed population where a decision to apply a postemergence herbicide would be profitable. The economic threshold model accounts for changing economic conditions, the effect of weeds on crop quality, the effect of multiple weed species on yield and quality, and uncertainty about spraying period length. The model is uncomplicated enough for microcomputer or programmable calculator applications. An example of weed threshold calculations for round white potatoes is given.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © 1989 Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association 

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Footnotes

They wish to thank Jim Leiby, Ed Plissey, Edd Johnston and Florence Bubar for various forms of help and inspiration. This work was funded by Contract No. USDA-TPSU-UM-2057-366 through NPIAP at Penn State University and by the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station. MAES Publication No. 1320.

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