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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