Abstract

This review mainly discusses flaming with LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), used primarily in horticultural crops. A brief survey is made also of other thermal weed control methods, for example: with infra-red radiation, using steam, microwaves, electrical treatment using high voltage current with continous contact or spark discharges. The biological effects of flaming on plants, weed seeds and soil are described. Technique and type of equipment in use are discussed, and also methods and economical aspects of its use in vegetable crops, root crops, fruit crops, on hard surfaces in urban areas, and for potato haulm desiccation. Other possible applications such as using flaming for soil sterilisation, to control plant diseases and crop pests are discussed briefly. Thermal weed control by flaming is today used commercially mainly by alternative vegetable growers and on hard surfaces in urban areas. Flaming is generally more expensive than chemical weed control. Flaming is an important and profitable aid primarily when one wishes or is compelled to cut down on the use of herbicides and the alternative is handweeding.