Management of goldenrods (Solidago spp.) in wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) fields
Date
2018-08-28T18:19:23Z
Authors
Farooq, Muhammad Hammad
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Abstract
Weeds are considered a major yield limiting factor in wild blueberry fields, and creeping
herbaceous perennials have become common and problematic. Goldenrods are creeping
herbaceous perennial weed that reproduces by seeds and extensive underground rhizomes. Current
management plans do not provide adequate control of goldenrod in each production year.
Therefore, it remains a serious problem in wild blueberry cropping systems. Multiple experime nts
were conducted over two years to evaluate 1) summer broadcast herbicide applications, 2) summer
and fall spot herbicide applications, 3) mechanical control, 4) optimum timing of mechanical and
chemical control, and 5) main and interactive effects of mechanical and chemical control on
goldenrods to develop an integrated management plan to control goldenrod species in wild
blueberry fields. Post-emergence broadcast applications of mesotrione followed by sequentia l
mesotrione application at 14, 21 and 28 days after initial application (DAIA), as well as mesotrione
alone or tank mixed with bicyclopyrone, effectively controlled goldenrod shoots in the non-bearing
and bearing year. Summer spot applications of glyphosate and mesotrione reduced goldenrod shoot
density in both the non-bearing and bearing years. In addition, fall spot applications of glyphosate
significantly reduced goldenrod shoots in the following year after application. Repeated cutting at
the floral bud stage significantly reduced goldenrod shoot density in the non-bearing year, but not
the bearing year. Glyphosate application at all growth stages, but particularly at flowering, caused
a significant reduction in goldenrod shoot density in both the non-bearing and bearing years. In
another experiment, glyphosate applied alone followed by nothing at the floral bud stage
significantly decreased shoot density in both years. Based on these results, cutting twice had
limited effects on goldenrod, and herbicides are recommended for goldenrod management in wild
blueberries.
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Keywords
Goldenrods, Wildblueberry