Several long-residual herbicides with different modes of action (MOA) are labeled for established blueberry. In order to reduce the potential of selecting for herbicide-resistant weeds, it is highly recommended mixing two residual herbicides with different MOA whenever you apply preemergence herbicides.
Casoron (dichlobenil) is a cellulose synthesis inhibitor recommended for fall application to control many annual and perennial broadleaves, grasses and yellow nutsedge.
The photosynthesis inhibitors (PS II inhibitors) have a broad spectrum of control and will be effective against many broadleaves and annual grasses when applied in spring. Karmex (diuron) and Princep (simazine) have relatively low solubility and have been very safe on blueberries. Sinbar (terbacil) has a longer residual life in the soil and also is more soluble, so it should be used infrequently on light, wet soils. Velpar (hexazinone) is very soluble and should not be used on very sandy or wet soils.
Kerb (pronamide) and Surflan (oryzalin) are mitosis inhibitor that will be effective at controlling many annual grass species for 4 to 6 weeks after application. Fall or spring application of Kerb can also be considered for perennial quackgrass suppression.
Solicam (norflurazon) is a pigment inhibitor that may be applied in fall or spring primarily for annual grass and sedges control. Solicam may also provide partial control of many broadleaf weeds as well as of yellow nutsedge.
Chateau (flumioxazin), Zeus XC (sulfentrazone), and Zeus Prime XC (sulfentrazone plus carfentrazone) are PPO inhibitors with activity against many broadleaves when applied preemergence in fall. They also have some postemergence activity on newly emerged seedlings of annual weeds. Chateau has a 7 day preharvest interval (PHI) and Zeus/Zeus Prime have 3 day PHI, and can therefore be applied later in the season to extend preemergence broadleaves control into late summer.
Callisto (mesotrione) is an HPPD inhibitor recommended for spring application to control many annual broadleaf weeds as well as annual sedges. It controls large crabgrass but no other grasses, such as goosegrass. Callisto may be used as a broadcast spray between rows to control broadleaves and crabgrass without injuring the fescue sod.
Matrix (rimsulfuron) and Sandea (halosulfuron) are ALS inhibitors that have both preemergence and postemergence activity. They control most annual broadleaves but are weak on common groundsel, common lambsquarters and eastern black nightshade. Sandea is recommended for postemergence control of yellow nutsedge. However, these two herbicides will not control ALS resistant weeds (horseweed, ragweed…) already widespread in New Jersey. Thus, these herbicides should always be tank mixed with a partner effective at controlling these weeds.
Devrinol (napropamide) and Dual Magnum (s-metolachlor) are long chain fatty acid inhibitor. Devrinol will provide good control of annual grasses and should therefore be tank mixed with a PSII or a PPO inhibitor for controlling broadleaf weeds. Dual Magnum has a shorter residual activity compared to other blueberry residual herbicides but will provides good yellow nutsedge, eastern black nightshade and pigweed control.
Make sure the herbicides you plan to apply will be effective at controlling the weed species in your field by checking the herbicide label. Usually, residual herbicides will suppress weed for 6 to 8 weeks depending on irrigation as well as soil and weather conditions. After this period, another residual herbicide can be needed to control weeds through harvest and could be mixed with a postemergence herbicides to control emerged weeds. Roundup (glyphosate), Rely 280 (glufosinate,) and Gramoxone (paraquat) are postemergence herbicides that may be applied with preemergence herbicides before bud break with little risk for crop injury.
