Weed control in minor crops in Spain after adoption of European regulation 1107/2009/EC and directive 2009/128/EC

Vegetable crops have become a source of great economic importance to many countries, particularly Spain. Crops should be protected from weeds in their early stages of development to prevent yield loss. It must be noted that there are limited registered herbicides for minor regional horticultural crops that generate little commercial interest. In this article, we discuss the implementation of European Regulation (Directive on Sustainable Use of Pesticides 2009/128/EC) in National Action Plans regarding horticultural minor use crops and the use of plant protection products with reference to evidence from Spain. The Spanish National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products was implemented in 2012 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Studies of the critical period of competition for weed control are a key component to help in developing a clear scheme that can be used for the design of effective integrated weed management programs. We highlight the urgent need for research and investigation into these areas and specifically ‘minor use’ crops due to the significant reduction of active substances approved in the European Union.