|
||||||||||
| Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
Abstract: Grass weeds continue to be problematic in New Brunswick
blueberry production. Ticklegrass (Agrostis scabra) can interfere with
mechanical crop harvest. Only fluazifop-p-butyl is registered for post-emergent
grass control in the crop year. This product has a 60 day pre-harvest interval,
which can be problematic for use in blueberry. A trial was established in the
crop year of a wild blueberry field near Tower Hill, New Brunswick to evaluate
ticklegrass control options. Ticklegrass control from early applications of
both fluazifop and sethoxydim was excellent for both rates tested, while
control was reduced for late season applications. Mesotrione alone suppressed
weed growth and control was improved in tank mixes with the above graminicides.
Mesotrione also gave early season control of narrow-leaf goldenrod (Euthamia
graminifolia) but weed re-growth occurred by the end of the season. No
significant crop injury or yield reduction was noted for any treatment as
compared to the control, although the entire trial area had lower yields as
compared to industry averages as ticklegrass is closely associated with areas
of decreased blueberry coverage.
1NB Department of Agriculture and Aquaculture, Crop Development Branch, P. O. Box 6000, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1