Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries - Evaluation of Hexazinone, Terbacil, Mesotrione and Tank Mixes Applied in the Spring of the Sprout Year for Grass and Goldenrod Control in Wild Blueberries

Partner: Bleuets NB Blueberries

Abstract: Most producers will use hexazinone as the base–program for sprout year weed control. If grasses are a particular concern, terbacil will be used as this product has been found to have a broader spectrum of grass activity in blueberry production, although a reduction in broadleaf weed control is also found. Mesotrione, a new broadleaf herbicide, may be useful when used in conjunction with either of the two more commonly used pre–emergent products. A trial was established near Pennfield, New Brunswick in the spring of 2008 to evaluate tank mixes for grass and goldenrod control. Hexazinone and terbacil both offered control of Canada bluegrass. Mesotrione suppressed goldenrod populations with no grass activity while terbacil was effective on grass species only. No significant benefit was shown by the addition of either terbacil or mesotrione to hexazinone in the sprout year. Broadleaf control was improved in the terbacil/mesotrione treatments as compared to terbacil applied alone. The spectrum of weeds between field areas are different, so trial results could vary depending on which weeds are present within the field. Continued examination of the relationship of hexazinone, terbacil and mesotrione co–applications is warranted to ensure producers are able to achieve maximum utility from these herbicides.