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  Evaluation of Spring Applied, Crop-Year Herbicides for Sheep Sorrel Control in Wild Blueberries




G.L. Graham1 and M.J. Melanson1

Parter: Bleuets NB Blueberries

Abstract: Sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella) populations within wild blueberry production areas have increased recently. Herbicide options, such as mesotrione and hexazinone, can be quite variable in their control levels. A trial was established near Aulac, New Brunswick to evaluate the effects of crop year herbicide applications on sheep sorrel and blueberries. Crop injury and yield reductions were noted for sulfentrazone, flumioxazin and carfentrazone-ethyl applications at the V2/V3 stage of blueberry development. Hexazinone and mesotrione applications had minimal effects on the blueberry crop at this time. Sheep sorrel control was highly variable. High rates of sulfentrazone gave control by the end of the trial, while hexazinone, mesotrione and low rates of sulfentrazone all significantly reduced sheep sorrel populations. Flumioxazin and carfentrazone were largely ineffective. Future work on improved timing of application for sulfentrazone along with the evaluation of combined crop and sprout year herbicide applications should be evaluated.


1NB Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture, Crop Development Branch, P. O. Box 6000, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1

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