G.L. Graham and M.J. Melanson
Partner: Bleuets NB Blueberries
Abstract: Abstract: Ticklegrass (Agrostis scabra) has a shallow root system and can re-grow following a spring
hexazinone application, if enough moisture washes hexazinone away from the soil surface. These escapes can form a thick canopy
which shades nearby blueberry plants and causes harvest issues into the cropping season. A trial was established near Pleasant
Ridge, New Brunswick to evaluate control options for ticklegrass following hexazinone application. No treatment resulted in any
visual crop response. Lower rates of fluazifop and sethoxydim suppressed ticklegrass, while higher rates controlled the grass.
Clethodim was an effective ticklegrass herbicide. Foramsulfuron plus urea-ammonium nitrate and, to a lesser extent, nicosulfuron / rimsulfuron
suppressed ticklegrass. The advanced ticklegrass stage of growth at application may explain the reduction in control for some of the herbicides evaluated.
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