Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture - Evaluation of Early Applications of Sinbar on Newly Planted Strawberries

Abstract: In 1996 a trial was established to evaluate the feasibility of applying a split application (0.15 kg/ha / 0.15 kg/ha) of Sinbar on newly planted ‘Kent' strawberries before and during the recommended 4 to 6 week period after planting. A half rate of Sinbar (0.15 kg/ha) was applied the day of planting, and 1, 2 and 3 weeks after planting on separate plots. The other half of Sinbar was applied 5 weeks after planting on these same plots. These were compared with full rates (0.3 kg/ha) of Sinbar applied at the recommended 4 to 6 week period after planting, and a full rate of Sinbar applied the day of planting. A weedy check and a weed free check were also included for comparison. Yields and visual ratings on crop tolerance, crop vigour, and weed control, were collected. Results indicated that some early season injury was observed from all Sinbar treatments, regardless of timing. It was generally considered minor and short-lived, however. By September there were no foliar injury symptoms visible from any of the treatments. Crop vigour was not significantly different from the hand weeded plots. Plots treated with split applications of Sinbar required a hand weeding before the second application was applied. Hand weeding time was reduced however as compared to the hand weeded controls. By the end of the season weed control was very good to excellent from all treatments. With the exception of Sinbar applied 2 WAP/5 WAP, the early Sinbar applied treatments out yielded the full Sinbar rates applied at the recommended 4 to 6 week application timing. Differences were not significant however. Overall, analysis of crop injury, crop vigour, and weed control ratings, indicated that differences between the Sinbar split applications and the full Sinbar rates applied at 4 or 6 weeks after planting were not significant. It appears that early applications of Sinbar have potential and should be further evaluated as it may be possible to reduce hand weeding costs early in the planting year without sacrificing crop tolerance or following year yields.

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