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Late Season Bermudagrass Control in Pecan Orchard Herbicide Strips

Applied Research

John Bennett
County Extension Agent
UGA
Fitzgerald

Abstract

Georgia is the largest producer of pecans in the United States with approximately 88 million pounds grown annually and a significant value of $263 million dollars. With an increase in popularity for pecan production, and lower commodity pricing in other agricultural areas, some land use has shifted to implement new pecan orchards throughout the state. Orchards planted in old pastures, hay fields, or areas where bermudagrass is common can see significant competition between this weed pest and young pecan trees. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to assess the effectiveness of 4 post emergent herbicides in a late season application on established bermudagrass in a young pecan orchard herbicide strip. Roundup, Fusilade, Select, and Poast were applied at the maximum labeled rate in a single application to herbicide strips of non-bearing pecan trees. Herbicides were mixed in two-liter bottles with a non-ionic surfactant, and applied at a rate of 10 gallons per acre. Each treatment was randomized and subsequently replicated three times with a plot being 10 feet wide and 25 feet long. Plot ratings were taken 21 days and 30 days after application. Ratings were taken for overall control and bermudagrass control for each plot. Statistical analysis was performed using ARM software, and statistical differences were observed. The greatest level of control noted in this study came from Roundup with 100% control of bermudagrass 30 days after application. Fusilade did improve in bermudagrass control from the 21 day to 30 day rating. Poast and Select both provided the least amount of control.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: John Bennett, Andrew Sawyer, Eric Prostko
  1. Bennett, J. County Extension Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 31750
  2. Sawyer, A. Southeast District Area Pecan Agent, University of Georgia, Georgia, 31023
  3. Prostko, E. Extension Row Crop Weed Specialist, University of Georgia, Georgia, 31794