Efficiency calls for the adoption of new production practices to 

 lower costs while producing a quality product. In addition, improved 

 handling, storing, grading and packaging practices and selling techniques 

 for apples are needed. 



As the trend toward specialization and increased size of business 

 in the apple industry continues, added emphasis must be continuously 

 devoted toward improving accounting procedures and obtaining information 

 to make better management decisions." 



I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 



CHEMICAL CONTROL OF WEEDS IN THE ORCHARD 



VJilliam J. Lord 

 Extension Pomologist 

 Department of Horticultural 

 Science 



Chemical weed control should not be considered as a substitute for mulch, 

 but as an aid in orchard management, when insufficient mulching material is 

 available. Then, it is suggested that herbicides be applied only to the grass 

 that can't be machine mowed under the trees. 



In general, the results from herbicide applications have been satisfactory. 

 However, successful use of herbicides requires close attention to details. Fruit 

 trees have been severely injured or killed by over-dosage with herbicides. 



While several herbicides are labeled for use in apple and pear orchards, 

 only dalapon may be used under bearing peach trees. However, peach trees are 

 easily injured with this material. 



Our experimental results of the past two years indicate that amizine or 

 amitrole-T (commercial product Amitrol-T) plus diuron or amitrole-T (Amitrol-T) 

 plus simazine may give partial control of poison ivy plus grass control if 

 applied just prior to fruit set. Although these materials will not give complete 

 control of poison ivy Virith this timing, they should help prevent the rapid influx 

 of this weed in the area where grass has been controlled. 



Dalapon fails to control annual weeds. However, our results indicate that 

 when the sod cover is mainly grass under bearing apple trees, dalapon may be the 

 only herbicide necessary. The following year, simazine or diuron may be used 

 with either dalapon or amitrol T (Amitrol-T) . Amizine which contains amitrole 

 and simazine also is suitable. 



Dalapon is the only material labeled for use in bearing apple orchards after 

 June 1 of any year. Diuron may be used up to June 1, and amizine, amitrole T 

 (Amitrol-T) and simazine must be applied prior to fruit set of apples. The 

 restriction on timing is similar in bearing pear orchards. However, amizine and 

 simazine are not labeled for pear trees. 



