OSU BLUEBERRY SCHOOL

March 16-17, 2015

held at
Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon

This two-day blueberry “school” was organized for new and experienced blueberry growers,
farm managers, crew leaders, advisors, packers/shippers, and consultants. Experts from Oregon
State University, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Washington State University, and the
blueberry industry were asked to address key issues of where the blueberry market is going; how
you might be more successful in tight labor or volume markets; which cultivars are easiest to
grow and are in most demand; how to establish new acreage using cutting-edge methods;
projected costs and the resources available to growers for selecting new planting sites; how to
best manage existing acreage to maximize returns of high-quality fruit; provide basic information
on blueberry plant physiology to help growers minimize environmental stresses and improve
yield potential; nutrient management programs for optimal growth and quality; irrigation and
fertigation practices for higher quality and better efficiency; use of organic amendments and
mulches; planning for and improving machine harvest efficiency; pruning for hand or machine
harvest (where can you cut corners….or not), maximizing pollination for good fruit and seed set;
overviews of the most important blueberry viruses, diseases, insects, weeds, and vertebrate pests;
and tools for good pest management. Information throughout the program addresses the needs of
conventional, transitional, and organic growers. Simultaneous interpretation to Spanish has been
provided. This proceedings book contains information provided on these topics by each speaker
and co-authors. The thumb drive provided in the registration packet for each attendee includes a
copy of each presentation. Thank you for attending. It is our sincere wish that this will be a very
useful meeting and that you find the accompanying materials a valuable reference! –
Bernadine Strik, Professor and Extension Berry Crops Specialist, OSU and the members of the
organizing committee

Organizing Committee

Bernadine Strik, Chair, Oregon State University (OSU)

Wei Yang, OSU. Co-chair (sponsorship coordinator), OSU
Donna Williams, Rachel Williams & team at OSU Conference Services
Dave Bryla, USDA-ARS HCRU
Chad Finn, USDA-ARS HCRU
Vaughn Walton - OSU
Steve Castagnoli - OSU
Steve Renquist - OSU
Bryan Ostlund – Oregon Blueberry Commission
Eric Pond - industry
Jon Umble – industry
Derek Peacock - industry
Steve Erickson - industry
Nancy Jensen - industry

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 Table of Contents
OSU Blueberry School

Title Authors Page

Characteristics of production regions in the Pacific Lisa DeVetter, Pat Jones, Bernadine 1
Northwest Strik, Kathie Dello

Markets - what's the future for fresh, processed, and Rod Cook, Derek Peacock, Jeff 9
organic markets? Things you MUST think about before Malensky, David Granatstein
starting or expanding production

Cultivar choices- Tried and true to brand new Chad Finn and Bernadine Strik 15

Economics of production – resources Bernadine Strik and David Granatstein 29

Resources available for selecting a good blueberry site Wei Q. Yang 37

Site selection and establishment of a blueberry field Wei Q. Yang and Bernadine Strik 41

Organic soil amendments and mulches for blueberry: Dan Sullivan (OSU) 47
the good, the bad and the ugly

On-farm irrigation system design and operation David Bryla 53

Blueberry plant physiology - why it's important to Bernadine Strik 57

understand the plant to manage it well

Irrigation scheduling: when, where, and how much? David Bryla 63

Pruning - impact of plant age, cultivar, and harvest Bernadine Strik 69

method

Harvesting - hand vs. machine Bernadine Strik (moderator); Paul 75

Norris (Norris Farms); Frank Brown
(Littau Harvesters (Inc.); Doug
Krahmer (Berries Northwest)

Nutrient management of blueberry -- assessing plant Bernadine Strik and David Bryla 79
nutrient needs and designing good fertilizer programs

Maximizing pollination in blueberry Ramesh Sagili, Carolyn Breece, John 95

Borden

Blueberry viruses present in the Pacific Northwest and Robert Martin 99

suggestions for their management

Blueberry bacterial and fungal diseases Jay Pscheidt and Jerry Weiland 107

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Title Authors Page
Weed management for blueberry fields in the Pacific Tim Miller 115
Northwest

Getting hit high and low: Options for managing bird Dana Sanchez (OSU 125
and vole damage

Management of arthropods, insect, and plant-parasitic Vaughn Walton,Nik Wiman, Inga 129
nematodes in blueberries Zasada, Joe DeFrancesco, Daniel
Dalton, Amy Dreves, Jana Lee, Lynell
Tanigoshi, Wei Yang

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 Weed management for blueberry fields in the Pacific Northwest
Tim Miller
Extension Weed Scientist
WSU Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center
16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
(360) 848-6138, twmiller@wsu.edu

Weeds are always a difficult problem in blueberry production! They start to show up shortly
after transplanting, and tend to become more problematic as time goes on. There are, however,
strategies that help to control weeds in blueberry. This presentation will discuss some thoughts
about weed control in blueberry, and some of the strengths, and weaknesses, of currently
registered herbicides.

Site Preparation

Let’s start first with fields that are soon to be planted to blueberry. Site preparation is perhaps
the most important single strategy for combating perennial weeds in blueberry. It is best to start
the year prior to transplanting blueberry plants. If perennial weeds are present, do whatever it
takes to remove them before transplanting!

There are several herbicides available for use for site preparation in blueberries. You can use
glyphosate (Roundup and several other products) for both broadleaf and grass weeds. If you just
have grasses, Fusilade (fluazifop) may be a good choice. One proven method would be spray
emerged and actively growing perennial weeds with a translocating herbicide, such as
glyphosate. These products do not have a soil residual, so carryover damage to fall-planted
blueberries is avoided. Cultivate the field about five days after application, when translocation
has moved the herbicide into the farthest reaches of the weed’s root system. The physical
damage to the weed from cultivation will aid in control as the herbicide hampers the weed’s
ability to re-sprout. Depending on the infestation, however, there will be at least a few plants
that are able to re-grow. These should be treated again, and as necessary through the summer to
kill as many of the perennial weeds as possible. If your primary weeds are annuals, cultivation
alone will probably be adequate, although herbicide may also improve control of older plants
than cultivation alone.

As good a herbicide as glyphosate is, however, not all weeds sprayed with glyphosate are killed.
A major weed species that isn’t killed is horsetail (Equisetum spp.). For that species, it’s best to
use several applications of an auxinic herbicide (such as 2,4-D). These products are not strongly
active on that weed (only about 30% control from each application), but repeat applications
during the same growing season can add up to some good control. Cultivation alone, unless
applied every three weeks or so throughout two or more growing seasons, will not control
horsetail. Casoron (diclobenil) has good activity on horsetail, but it tends to persist too long in
the soil to allow for safe transplanting of blueberry plants even six to eight months later. Contact
herbicides such as Gramoxone Inteon (paraquat), Rely (glufosinate), or Scythe (pelargonic acid),
or use of mowers or flamers, can remove emerged horsetail fronds. But as with cultivation,
several applications will be necessary for complete control of this weed.

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For organic fields, herbicides may still be an option for this phase of the production. Herbicides
applied to control established perennial weeds prior to blueberry transplanting would, of course,
start the certification process at zero, so three years will have to elapse from the date of
application until the field can be certified organic. But since most blueberries won’t produce
much fruit until the third year anyway, this might not be a hardship for all organic producers. If
you do not wish to use herbicides to aid in this step, intensive cultivation will likely be necessary
to control those established perennial weeds. For some, such as Himalaya blackberry, cultivation
will do a great job of control. For others, such as Canada thistle or horsetail, you’ll need to
cultivate frequently (every three weeks or so) to prevent the fragmented root system from re-
establishing itself. Use of spring-tooth harrows may aid in bringing rhizomes and roots to the
surface where they can desiccate.

It is important not to skimp on site preparation step! Selective removal of perennial weeds from
blueberries with existing herbicides is difficult, if not impossible, so the more perennials you can
kill prior to transplanting, the easier it will be to maintain your blueberry block.

First-year Blueberry Plantings (non-bearing)

After transplanting, maintain a three- to four-foot weed-free zone during the first two or three
years to allow blueberries to establish effectively. Sawdust mulch can be effective for
preventing seed of annual weeds from germinating the first few years, but no control of most
established perennial weeds should be expected. Some growers are using plastic/fabric laid in
the crop row, with blueberries planted into holes in the strips. Drip irrigation beneath the fabric
is normally used for these systems. Weed mat may be the best choice for organic blueberry
producers, or for those fields with extensive infestations of perennial weeds.

For new plantings (non-bearing), several broadcast herbicides are available. These include
selective products like Devrinol (napropamide), Snapshop (isoxaben + trifluralin), Solicam
(norflurazon), Surflan (oryzalin), simazine, and Trellis (isoxaben) for broadleaf and grass weeds,
or Poast (sethoxydim), Select Max (clethodim), and Fusilade for grasses only. Non-selective
products include glyphosate, Gramoxone Inteon, and Scythe.

If using glyphosate or other non-selective herbicides as spot treatments in your blueberry field,
try to keep your sprayer pressure low to avoid upward movement of the spray mist due to
turbulence. Avoid getting herbicide on leaves or areas of smooth bark either due to drift or
accidental overspray of lower branches. For glyphosate in particular, it is best to use a shielded
sprayer or wiper applicator—even small amounts of glyphosate drifted to blueberry leaves and
bark can slow blueberry growth and reduce productivity. If milk cartons or plastic wraps are
used around the new blueberry plants, the spray shield is less important, provided the
carton/wrap gives complete coverage of stems and the lower canopy.

Established Plantings (over one year old)

For dormant-season applications to established plantings (over one year old and often bearing
some harvestable fruit), broadcast herbicides include Casoron, Chateau (flumioxazin), Devrinol,

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diuron, Dual Magnum (s-metolachlor), Kerb (pronamide), simazine, Sinbar (terbacil), Solicam
(norflurazon), Surflan, Velpar (hexazinone), and Zeus XC (sulfentrazone) for broadleaf and grass
weeds. In addition, Callisto (mesotrione), Matrix (rimsulfuron), and Sandea (halosulfuron) can
be used after weed emergence and still provide some residual activity. If only grasses are
present, Poast and Select Max can be used on bearing blueberries. Spot treatments with
glyphosate via spray or wiper, acetic acid (vinegar), Aim (carfentrazone), Gramoxone Inteon,
Green Match (limonene), Rely (glufosinate), Scythe, and Stinger (clopyralid) are also allowed.
Grass strips between rows can be treated with Saber (2,4-D), but only if using a shielded sprayer
to prevent drift damage to blueberries.

Prior to selecting a herbicide to use, it is important to first identify the weeds you are trying to
control! Not every weed is controlled by every herbicide, so you need to choose herbicides that
will control the weeds you actually have in your field, and that begins with a positive weed
identification. Never be content letting a plant go unrecognized—it is always easier to kill a
pioneer plant than to have to kill several hundred (or thousand) weeds once they established
themselves in your field. If you don’t know what it is, find out what it is by bring a sample to
your county extension office or local agricultural professional.

More Specific Information About Blueberry Herbicides

Of the herbicides mentioned above, let’s categorize our next discussion on the two timings used
to apply these products: preemergence herbicides and postemergence herbicides.

Preemergence products. These are herbicides that should be applied prior to weed seed
germination. If applied to weeds that are already out of the ground, most of these products will
not control them. Preemergence products normally should be applied to fully dormant
blueberries, although some can be applied after budbreak. These products include Casoron,
Chateau, Devrinol, diuron, Dual Magnum, Kerb, simazine, Sinbar, Solicam, Surflan, Trellis,
Velpar, and Zeus.

Casoron has both granular and sprayable formulations that should be applied during
winter. Apply to moist soils, just prior to a rain event to move the herbicide into the soil.
If left on the soil surface or if applied to warm soil, Casoron can lose much of its activity.
Casoron has activity on many annual weed species (broadleaves such as common
chickweed, shepherd’s-purse, pineappleweed, common lambsquarters, and common
groundsel as well as most annual grasses). Casoron also gives suppression or control of
several perennial weed species such as Canada thistle, curly dock, horsetail, and yellow
nutsedge. Be sure not to over-apply, particularly on young blueberry plantings—plants
must be at least one year old before Casoron should be used.

Chateau was registered for use in blueberry relatively recently, although it has been used
in strawberry for several years. Chateau has appreciable postemergence activity, but is
primarily used as a preemergence product. It controls a wide variety of broadleaf annual
weeds such as common lambsquarters, horseweed (marestail), shepherd’s-purse, and
redroot pigweed; it also helps suppress wild buckwheat and ladysthumb. Blueberry

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plants must have been established at least two years prior to use of Chateau, unless the
young plants are protected by milk cartons or plastic wrap.

Devrinol may be applied from fall to spring, and is registered for use immediately
following blueberry planting or on established blueberries. Devrinol is rapidly degraded
if left exposed on the soil surface, so it should be applied less than 24 hours before a rain
event to incorporate the herbicide in the soil. This product has activity on many annual
weed species (broadleaves such as common chickweed, pineappleweed, common
lambsquarters, and common groundsel as well as most annual grasses).

Diuron (several trade names) should be applied in the spring just prior to budbreak.
Diuron is primarily a broadleaf product with activity on common lambsquarters, wild
mustards, annual sowthistle, and redroot pigweed. Diuron is much more active in coarse
textured soils, and can leach under periods of heavy rainfall shortly after application, so
use lower rates under those conditions. This herbicide is absorbed and translocated
exclusively in the xylem tissues of weeds, so it must be absorbed by roots for best
effectiveness. Diuron does, however, control certain weeds if applied early
postemergence.

Dual Magnum is a dormant-season herbicide that is widely used in agriculture. In

blueberry, the supplemental labels OR-110005 and WA-120002. This herbicide controls
many annual grass weeds such as barnyardgrass, green and yellow foxtail, Italian
ryegrass, and witchgrass; broadleaf annual weeds controlled with this product include
redroot pigweed and common purslane. Dual Magnum also suppresses emergence of
yellow nutsedge. Use Dual Magnum only on plants established for more than one year,
and lower rates are suggested on 2- to 3-year-old plantings.

Kerb should be applied during the winter dormant season. If applied to warm soils, Kerb
persistence (and weed control) is much reduced. Do not use Kerb on blueberries that
have not been established for about a year. Kerb is active on common chickweed, but it
is primarily a grass herbicide, providing control of most annual grasses and the perennials
quackgrass, orchardgrass, and tall fescue.

Simazine (several trade names) should be applied either all in the spring or as a split
application with half in the fall and half in the spring. Higher rates are used on
established blueberries, but lower rates are safe for use immediately following planting.
Simazine is much more active in coarse textured soils, and can leach under periods of
heavy rainfall shortly after application, so use lower rates under those conditions. This
herbicide is absorbed and translocated exclusively in the xylem tissues of weeds, so it
must be absorbed by roots for best effectiveness. The product does, however, control
certain weeds if applied early postemergence. Simazine is effective on a many broadleaf
weed species, including common chickweed, common lambsquarters, common
groundsel, henbit, nightshade, redroot pigweed, pineappleweed, shepherd’s-purse,
smartweed, and some mustards. Grasses controlled include most of the annual grasses as
well as suppression of quackgrass.

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Sinbar should be applied in the fall or spring to established, dormant blueberries. The
herbicide should probably be applied to small areas at first to evaluate the potential for
crop injury before spraying the entire block. Do not use Sinbar on coarse textured soils.
Also, you’ll want to minimize consecutive years of use or applying Sinbar within two
years of rotating out of blueberries, as the product has considerable soil residual. This
herbicide is absorbed and translocated exclusively in the xylem tissues of weeds, so it
must be absorbed by roots for best effectiveness. Sinbar does, however, control certain
weeds if applied early postemergence. This product is effective on a many broadleaf
weed species, including common chickweed, common lambsquarters, common
groundsel, henbit, nightshade, pigweed, shepherd’s-purse, and smartweed. Grasses
controlled include most of the annual grasses as well as suppression of quackgrass.

Solicam should be applied during the winter dormant season to established blueberries.
If applied to warm soils, Solicam persistence (and weed control) is much reduced. Do
not use Solicam on blueberries that have not been established for about a year. Solicam
is active on common chickweed, false dandelion, pigweed, pineappleweed, shepherd’s-
purse, and some mustards. Grasses controlled include most annual grasses and
suppression of quackgrass.

Surflan, if used in newly-planted blueberries, should be applied to firm soil prior to

applying sawdust. On established blueberries, apply either all in the spring or as a split
application with half in the fall and half in the spring. Rainfall incorporation is necessary
to prevent herbicide volatilization. Surflan is effective on a many broadleaf weed
species, including common chickweed, common lambsquarters, pigweed, and
shepherd’s-purse. Most annual grasses are controlled.

Trellis is currently registered for nonbearing (but established) blueberry. It may become
registered for fruiting blueberry in the near future. Trellis primarily controls annual
broadleaf weeds, such as horseweed, common lambsquarters, wild mustards, shepherd’s-
purse, annual sowthistle, purslane, and common chickweed; higher rates may also
suppress field bindweed and curly dock. Apply Trellis prior to weed seed germination, as
it will not control emerged weeds. The product must be incorporated by a half-inch of
rainfall or irrigation for best weed control.

Velpar is an early-season herbicide that is best applied before the lowest leaves of the
blueberry plant have fully expanded. It has some postemergence activity on susceptible
weeds that are less than about 2 inches tall/wide. Broadleaf weeds controlled by Velpar
include common lambsquarters, several species of mustard family weeds, and common
chickweed; it also provides some suppression of fireweed, dandelion, and
Himalayan/evergreen blackberry. Velpar has activity on barnyardgrass, velvetgrass,
yellow foxtail, and quackgrass. Use Velpar only on blueberry plants that have been
established for three or more years.

Zeus XC is the same product as Spartan herbicide registered in strawberry, while Zeus
Prime is a mixture of sulfentrazone and carfentrazone (think of it as a pre-packaged mix
of Spartan and Aim). Do not apply to blueberry fields established for less than two years.

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 Zeus is primarily a preemergence product, while the carfentrazone in Zeus Prime helps
kill emerged weeds. Many species of broadleaf weeds are controlled with Zeus products,
including redroot pigweed, catchweed bedstraw, common mallow, common
lambsquarters, ladysthumb, wild mustard, and shepherd’s-purse. Some grasses may also
be controlled, including the foxtails and witchgrass; it may also provide some
suppression of yellow nutsedge.

Postemergence products. These are herbicides that should be applied after the spring flush of
weed seed germination is complete, or when perennial weeds have fully expanded leaves. These
products include acetic acid, Callisto, citric acid, clove oil, Fusilade, glyphosate, Gramoxone
Inteon, Green Match, Matrix, Poast, Saber, Sandea, Scythe, Select Max, and Stinger.

Acetic acid, citric acid, clove oil, Green Match, Scythe. These are contact herbicides
that can be used in newly-planted or bearing blueberries. Since they have no residual
activity, multiple applications will likely be necessary to control flushes of annual weeds
as they germinate throughout the year. Broadleaf annual weeds are more susceptible than
grass seedlings. Try to apply before weeds are in the 4-leaf stage of growth for best
results. Control of perennial weeds is not likely, unless used repeatedly on shoots. These
products are best used on warm days. Care must be taken to avoid movement of mist to
blueberry plants. Acetic Acid formulations are available in several formulations, usually
as ready-to-use concentrations. There is a general consensus that the product should
contain least 20% acetic acid to provide acceptable weed control (provided there are no
other active ingredients in the product). This product is generally acceptable for
organically certified blueberry, but be sure to check local product lists to be sure it’s OK
to use in your state and for trade names.

Callisto is a recently registered herbicide in blueberry, although it is widely used in corn

and small grains. While listed here as a postemergence product, the herbicide also has
some residual preemergence activity. Callisto works best on broadleaf weeds, including
redroot pigweed, common chickweed, common lambsquarters, ladysthumb, and wild
mustard; most grasses aren’t controlled by Callisto. The use of crop oil concentrate at 1%
is recommended if weeds have already emerged. Do not apply Callisto to bearing
blueberries after the onset of the bloom stage.

Citric Acid (see entry for acetic acid for additional information). Citric acid is rarely
used as a single active ingredient, but rather is pre-mixed with other active ingredients.
Citric acid is available in several formulations, usually in a ready-to-use product mix.
This product is generally acceptable for organically certified blueberry, but be sure to
check local product lists to be sure it’s OK to use in your state and for trade names.

Clove Oil (see entry for acetic acid for additional information). This product is
generally acceptable for organically certified blueberry, but be sure to check local
product lists to be sure it’s OK to use in your state and for trade names.

Fusilade is a grass herbicide that is active on a wide variety of annual and perennial
species. Fusilade is registered only for use in non-bearing blueberries. Grasses are

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controlled best when actively growing; if grasses are stressed due to drought or other
environmental factors, control will be reduced. Mix Fusilade with 1% crop oil
concentrate or 0.25% nonionic surfactant prior to application for improved performance.

Glyphosate is active on many different weed species, from annuals to perennials and
including grasses and broadleaves. Glyphosate only has activity if applied to foliage, so
if weeds are not emerged, they will not be killed. Glyphosate actively translocates from
leaves to roots in perennial plants. If treating perennial weeds, don’t apply glyphosate
too early! Wait until shoots have become self-sufficient, photosynthetically-speaking.
This usually occurs after the weeds begin to send up flower stalks (known as “bolting”).
Glyphosate will not translocate as well when applied to perennial weeds shortly after
emergence as when applied immediately prior to flowering (when the weeds are in the
bud stage of growth) or in the fall on photosynthetically active plants. Glyphosate should
only be applied as a shielded spray or using a wiper applicator. Care must be taken to
avoid movement of mist to blueberry plants.

Gramoxone Inteon is a contact herbicide that can be used in newly-planted blueberries

or as a spot treatment in bearing blueberries. Multiple applications of Gramoxone will
likely be necessary to control flushes of annual weeds as they germinate throughout the
year. Control of perennials is not likely, unless used repeatedly on shoots. The product
is best used on small annual weeds and is most active on sunny days. Care must be taken
to avoid movement of mist to blueberry plants. Performance is enhanced when mixed
with 0.25% nonionic surfactant.

Green Match (see entry for acetic acid for additional information). This product is
generally acceptable for organically certified blueberry, but be sure to check local
product lists to be sure it’s OK to use in your state.

Matrix is a recently registered herbicide in blueberry, although it is widely used in tree

and vine crops and in potato. Matrix has both postemergence and preemergence activity
on many weeds, including common groundsel, common mallow, wild mustards,
shepherd’s-purse, purslane, barnyardgrass, annual bluegrass, and green and yellow
foxtail; it also offers good postemergence control of quackgrass. Matrix should not be
used until blueberry plants are at least one year old. The use of nonionic surfactant at
0.25% is recommended if weeds have already emerged.

Poast is a grass herbicide that is active on a wide variety of annual species, but has
limited activity on perennial grasses. Poast may be used in newly-planted or established
blueberries. Grasses are controlled best when actively growing; if grasses are stressed
due to drought or other environmental factors, control will be reduced. Mix Poast with 2
pints/acre crop oil concentrate prior to application for improved performance.

Saber is registered for use with a shielded sprayer in the grass strips between blueberry
rows. Saber actively translocates from leaves to roots in broadleaf plants. When applied
to perennial weeds, effectiveness is maximized after shoots have become self-sufficient,
photosynthetically-speaking. Avoid cutting the grass for at least seven days before or

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 after the application to aid in herbicide deposition and translocation. Care must be taken
to avoid movement of mist or vapor to blueberry plants.

Sandea is a recently registered herbicide in blueberry, although it is widely used in tree

and vine crops and in potato. Matrix has both postemergence and preemergence activity
mostly on broadleaf weeds, including common lambsquarters, common mallow, prickly
lettuce, wild mustards, redroot pigweed, shepherd’s-purse, ladysthumb, and willow-
weed; it also can be used postemergence for control of yellow nutsedge, and may help
suppress horsetail. Sandea should not be used until blueberry plants are at least one year
old. The use of nonionic surfactant at 0.25% is recommended if weeds have already
emerged.

Scythe (see entry for acetic acid for additional information). Gowan may gain a
registration for Scythe in organically certified crops, but it is not currently registered for
that use.

Select Max is a grass herbicide that is active on a wide variety of annual and perennial
species. Select Max may be used in newly-planted or established blueberries. Grasses
are controlled best when actively growing; if grasses are stressed due to drought or other
environmental factors, control will be reduced. Mix Select with 0.25% nonionic
surfactant prior to application to get the most out of the product.

Stinger is used in a number of agricultural crops and on rangelands/forests for noxious

weed control. In blueberry, supplemental labels OR-100011 and WA-120002 have been
registered. Blueberry plants are more sensitive to Stinger if applied prior to bloom and
before and/or during the crop’s annual flush of growth compared to after bloom, so avoid
using Stinger from one week prior to bloom until one week after bloom. Stinger is very
active on weeds in Asteraceae (including Canada thistle, dandelion, and goldenrod),
Fabaceae (such as clover), and Solanaceae (nightshades), but doesn’t have much activity
on weeds from other plant families.

Problem Perennial Weed Species

The most problematic weeds in established blueberries are perennial species, particularly those
species with widely-spreading, creeping roots and rhizomes. As discussed above, start clean!
Few herbicides are selective enough to remove established perennial weeds from blueberry, so
get rid of them prior to transplanting. Next, stay clean! Remove pioneer weeds before they
establish, maintain good blueberry health, use good irrigation practices, proper disease and insect
management, and pruning to insure good blueberry canopy development, and implement a good
fertility program. All these will help your blueberries better compete with the weeds.

Four major weeds of blueberries are Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), horsetail (Equisetum
spp.), quackgrass (Elymus repens), and field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis). Let’s look at
control options for each of these weed species separately.

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Canada Thistle. Blueberry herbicides with the best activity on Canada thistle are Casoron,
glyphosate, and Stinger. Apply Casoron to moist soil during dormancy and rainfall-incorporate.
For best results with glyphosate, apply using a wiper applicator or shielded sprayer when Canada
thistle plants are over twelve inches tall in spring or summer; fall applications are also good if
thistles are still green. Stinger can be applied either as a foliar spray or wiped onto thistle
foliage. Like for glyphosate, it’s best to wait until thistles are at least a foot tall before treating
them. Stinger or Saber applied to grass strips may also help reduce Canada thistle encroachment
from beside the rows. Contact herbicides with some effectiveness against Canada thistle (such
as Gramoxone Inteon and Scythe), hoeing, or flame can kill top-growth of weeds, but these
treatments must be applied repeatedly to be effective. Weed fabrics help to prevent emergence
of Canada thistle, although this species is very good at finding holes in the plastic mulch through
which it can grow.

Horsetail. The only herbicide registered for use in blueberry with good activity on horsetail is
Casoron. Apply Casoron to moist soil during dormancy and rainfall-incorporate. Sandea
applied postemergence may help to suppress horsetail. Like for Canada thistle, Saber applied to
grass strips may help reduce horsetail encroachment from beside the rows. Also like for Canada
thistle, contact herbicides (Gramoxone Inteon, Scythe, etc.), hoeing, or flame can kill top-
growth, but these treatments must be applied repeatedly to be effective. Weed fabrics help to
prevent emergence of horsetail, although this species is very good at finding holes in the plastic
mulch through which it can grow.

Quackgrass. Some herbicides with good activity on quackgrass include Casoron, glyphosate,
Kerb, Matrix, and Velpar. Apply Casoron, Kerb, or Velpar to moist soil during dormancy and
rainfall-incorporate. For best results with glyphosate, apply using a wiper applicator or shielded
sprayer when quackgrass plants are over twelve inches tall in spring or summer; fall applications
are also good if grass leaves are still green. Matrix can be spot-applied to blueberry either
preemergence or early postemergence, although the latter is generally considered to perform
better. Grass herbicides with good activity on quackgrass include Fusilade (nonbearing only)
and Select Max (both bearing and nonbearing); use similar application timing as discussed for
glyphosate. Poast may also be used in bearing and nonbearing blueberries, but quackgrass
control with this product is usually only fair to poor unless used repeatedly. Contact herbicides
(Gramoxone Inteon, Scythe, etc.), hoeing, or flame can kill top-growth, but these treatments
must be applied repeatedly to be effective. Weed fabrics aren’t particularly helpful for control of
quackgrass, as this species bears sharp-tipped rhizomes that can penetrate all but the thickest
plastic mulches.

Field Bindweed. The only herbicide registered for use in blueberry with good activity on field
bindweed is glyphosate. For best results, apply using a wiper applicator or shielded sprayer
when field bindweed plants are in full bloom to the early seed stage of maturity, application in
the fall may also provide some control. Trellis at higher rates may also help to control field
bindweed in nonbearing blueberry. Like for Canada thistle, Saber applied to grass strips may
help reduce field bindweed encroachment from beside the rows. Also like for Canada thistle,
contact herbicides (Gramoxone Inteon, Scythe, etc.), hoeing, or flame can kill top-growth, but
these treatments must be applied repeatedly to be effective. A not-yet-registered herbicide with
good activity on field bindweed is quinclorac. It has been tested in IR-4 and may soon gain

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registration in the near future, so stay tuned for news on registration progress. Weed fabrics help
to slow emergence of field bindweed, although this species is very good at finding holes in the
plastic mulch through which it can grow.

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