Weed Management Options for Organic Wild Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) Production

Abstract

Weeds are considered a major problem for organic wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) production due to their excessive growth and limited management options available. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to investigate burning in combination with sulphur application as a weed management option for organic blueberry production. In addition, Finalsan® and EcoclearTM as potential candidates for perennial weed control in organic production were evaluated. Burned and sulphur plots produced higher blueberry stem density, blueberry cover and yield compared to mowed and no-sulphur plots, respectively, although, the interaction was not significant. Similarly, low weed density and cover were observed in burning and sulphur application plots. Mycorrhizal colonization in blueberry roots was significantly higher in burned plots than mowed plots. A single application of Finalsan® and EcoclearTM effectively controlled goldenrod, sweet fern and bracken fern. However, a single application of either product did not control wild raisin or moss.