G.L. Graham, G. Chiasson and M. Melanson
Partner : Bleuets NB Blueberries
Abstract: With increased land clearing planned in New Brunswick, growers are in need of alternative strategies
for weed control in blueberry stand establishment. Two trials, near Lavillette and Aulac, were established in commercial
wild blueberry fields in 2009 to evaluate herbicide options for land clearing. Herbicide treatments had a minimal effect
at the Lavillette location, likely due to the more difficult to control lambkill and rhodora weeds present. A high level
of crop injury was reported from the Pronone post-emergence treatment at the Aulac location. Weed control at Aulac was highly
variable. DPX-MAT rate and timing should be further refined to determine its utility within blueberry production. Hexazinone
alone was not effective and it should be evaluated in combination with other herbicide treatments (mesotrione) to improve the
weed control levels within initial land clearing operations.
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