Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture - Evaluation of Fall Applied Herbicides on Strawberry Tolerance and Common Groundsel Control

Abstract: A trial to evaluate both registered and non- registered fall applied herbicides on strawberries was established to determine crop tolerance and effectiveness in controlling common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris L.) into the next season. Visual ratings on crop injury and groundsel control were collected in addition to yields. Results indicated that crop injury never exceeded 2% in the fall from any treatments. Although injury was evident in the spring, it was variable throughout the trial area and resulted in differences not being statistically significant from the untreated control plots. Blazer (93%), and Reflex + Agral 90 (97%) provided burn-off control of groundsel in the fall, but none of the treatments provided acceptable control into the following spring. Differences in yields between treatments were not statistically significant, but trends were evident. The treatments with the highest levels of crop injury at the June 24 rating date, also had the lowest yields, and the treatment with the lowest injury (Blazer + Sinbar) had the highest yields. Overall, the most effective treatment resulting in minimal crop injury, high yields, and acceptable groundsel control was Blazer applied October 21 with Sinbar applied over the plot on November 6. Additional work needs to be conducted to verify results.

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