Choteau for preemergent control sprayed in the fall works well for me. Lasts all season, any knockdown sprays in the growing season are very limited. Of course, read the label.
Bill Fleming Montana State University Western Ag Research Center 580 Quast Lane Corvallis, MT 59828 From: apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net [mailto:apple-crop-boun...@virtualorchard.net] On Behalf Of Glen Koehler Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2014 2:01 PM To: Apple-crop LISTSERVER Subject: [apple-crop] Glyphosate alternatives A Maine apple grower is exploring alternatives to using glyphosate (e.g. Roundup etc.) for vegetation control in tree rows. The reason is concern about immediate and long term effect of glyphosate drift onto trunks. Despite efforts to reduce drift and accurately target herbicide application, grower feels there is still too much risk of trunk contact. There are some lower trunk cankers, but whether these are due in part to previous glyphosate exposure not determined. Orchard is ca. 10 acre pick your own. Ground cover system is permanent sod alleys/row middles with vegetation suppression in the tree row during growing season, with moderate regrowth allowed in late summer - early fall for protection against winter low temperatures. The trees are ca. 15 year old Mac and Cortland on M26. New plantings will be tall spindle. Previous tree row vegetation management has been annual glyphosate application in May-June. The objective is to find program that will provide similar results with less risk of trunk injury than associated with glyphosate. New approach being considered is tree row application of 2,4-D (for annual and perennial broadleaves) + Poast (for annual and perennial grasses) in post petal fall period. Gramoxone (paraquat) as alternative burn down herbicide not acceptable because of acute toxicity risk. Rely provides similar postemergent efficacy as glyphosate (though only Fair vs. Good for perennial grass and perennial broadleaf), but may also share the same trunk hazard as glyphosate. Alley sod management will continue to be regular close mowing. Your thoughts on this approach, and the reasons for making this change (i.e. concern about glyphosate) will be appreciated. -- Glen Koehler University of Maine Cooperative Extension Pest Management Office Voice: 207-581-3882 491 College Avenue, Orono, ME 04473
_______________________________________________ apple-crop mailing list apple-crop@virtualorchard.net http://virtualorchard.net/mailman/listinfo/apple-crop
