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  Evaluation of Fall and Spring Applied Herbicides for Common Groundsel and Cleavers Control in Strawberries




G.L. Graham1 and R. Tremblay1


Abstract: Weed control continues to be a problematic issue for strawberry production in New Brunswick. Common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) and cleavers (Galium aparine) are becoming significant weed problems. A trial was established in the fall of 2006 in a commercial strawberry field near Belleisle Creek, New Brunswick with the cultivar Brunswick to evaluate conventional and innovative control measures for both weeds. Herbicides were applied either in the late fall or early spring, depending on crop tolerance. Aminopyralid application to strawberry caused high injury and should not be utilized in strawberry production. All other treatments would be commercially acceptable in strawberry production. Weed control data was highly variable. Poor cleavers emergence in 2007 and low over-wintering populations of groundsel likely contributed to the variability. The most promising groundsel treatments were spring applications of napropamide and fall applications of flumioxazin, while sulfentrazone, flumioxazin and oxyfluorfen application in the fall demonstrated cleavers control after application. Further testing with these promising products is required for both weeds. Multiple application timings are possible for groundsel control, so a combination of treatments and application timings, from renovation through to early spring, should be evaluated to better mimic typical production practices in New Brunswick.


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

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