Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture - Comparison of Simazine, Terbacil, Atrazine, and Reduced Hexazinone Rates for Weed Control in Wild Blueberries

Abstract: Two trials to evaluate simazine (Princep Nine-T), atrazine (Aatrex Nine-O), terbacil (Sinbar 80 WP), and reduced rates of hexazinone (Velpar 75DF) for weed control in wild blueberry fields were conducted. Visual observations on crop injury and poverty oatgrass control (Danthonia spicata) were collected. Results indicated that blueberry plants were very tolerant to all the herbicides and rates evaluated, as injury levels were never greater than 3% at any time throughout the season. All Princep Nine-T (simazine) rates evaluated provided very poor and unacceptable control of oatgrass. Atrazine (Aatrex Nine-O) provided excellent control at one site (Belleisle - 96% Sept. 20), but reduced control at the other site which had a higher sand content (Tracadie - 79%, Sept. 4). Velpar 75DF provided excellent control of oatgrass at all rates evaluated in both trials (> 95%). Rates above 1.33 kg/ha were not necessary for season long control. Sinbar also provided excellent oatgrass control in both trials (>95%) and could be recommended for its control. All the herbicides and rates evaluated, with the exception of Princep (simazine), could be recommended for season long control of poverty oatgrass. Data should be collected in the fruiting year to determine how effective the treatments are in providing long term control.

¹Potato & Horticulture Branch, NBDARD, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1