Stinger herbicide 24(c) Special Local Need label renewed until 2025 for use on Highbush Blueberries

Blueberry bushes

Mugwort in blueberries is also called wild chrysanthemum due to its scent when the leaves are crushed.

The NJDEP informed us last Friday that the 24(c) Special Local Need label for use of Stinger (clopyralid) herbicide in highbush blueberries has been renewed for the 5 years with an expiration date set on December 31, 2025.

This is a really good news for the New Jersey Blueberry Industry as Stinger is a crucial herbicide for control of troublesome perennial weed species that has consistently showed excellent crop safety when used accordingly to the label recommendations. The new updated 24(c) label can be found on the Agrian database (https://www.agrian.com/labelcenter/results.cfm)

Stinger is a PRE and POST herbicide that is strong on weeds in the composite and legume families, such as thistles, asters, dandelion, goldenrod, ragweed, horseweed, clovers, vetch and wild bean. It also controls nightshades, smartweeds, wild buckwheat and plantain.

The maximum labeled rate of Stinger per application 5.3 fluid ounces per acre (0.125 lb acid equivalent/A), and the maximum rate per year application is 10.6 fluid ounces per acre (0.25 lb acid equivalent/A). However, the rate needed varies depending on the target species:

  • 2 fl ounces per acre (0.047 lb acid equivalent/A) will control seedling annual weeds such as common ragweed and annual vetch.
  • 3 to 4 fluid ounces per acre (0.070 to 0.094 lb acid equivalent/A) are needed to control perennial clover species, horseweed, and groundsel.
  • Most other susceptible perennial weeds require the full rate of 5.3 fluid ounces per acre (0.125 lb acid equivalent/A).

Optimum results controlling deep rooted and hard to control perennial weeds, including Canada thistle, perennial asters, goldenrod species, and mugwort (wild chrysanthemum) will be obtained if the Stinger application is split.

Apply Stinger at the rate of 5.3 fluid ounces per acre after blueberry bloom in early to mid-May when the weed is emerging. Some weeds can “survive” for months on established existing foliage even though Stinger suppresses all new growth. Tank-mix with another postemergence herbicide to increase the spectrum of weeds controlled. Be sure to spray adjacent sod and tilled row middles as well as the weed free strip under the blueberries. The application of Stinger timed to match the emergence of the perennial weed in the spring coincides with the time of year when the carbohydrate food reserves in the plant are at the lowest point. Treatment at this time reduces the weed’s chance of recovery and survival.

Apply another 5.3 fluid ounces per acre of Stinger to the marked rows, or sections of rows immediately after harvest in mid-summer. No growth of the target weed may be observed at the time of the second application. Spray the second application even though no growth of the target weed is evident. The second application is essential for the elimination of the hard to kill established perennial weeds. If the second application is skipped, expect to see the weed re-emerge in late August or September. Time all applications to maintain a 30 day PHI (PreHarvest Interval).

Stinger is both a postemergence foliar absorbed herbicide and a residual herbicide. The initial twisting and curling observed after application to susceptible species is due to the foliar absorbtion. Control of established perennials is due to residual Stinger in the soil which prevents re-growth from the roots. In certain species such as mugwort, Stinger prevents re-growth but does not kill the mature leaves. The plant will survive unless another herbicide such as Gramoxone or glyphosate is used to defoliate the plant.

Deep rooted perennials

Deep rooted perennials like goldenrod will require multiple Stinger applications.

Stinger can also be used as a wipe treatments by applying a 2% solution of Stinger in water (2.5 fluid ounces per gallon). Make a maximum of two applications with the total usage of Stinger from all types of applications not to exceed 10.6 fl oz per acre or 2/3 pint (0.25 lb acid equivalent/A) per acre per annual growing season.

Do NOT apply Stinger in a hand held sprayer used to “spray until wet”. Stinger is a residual herbicide that must be applied on a rate per acre basis. When treating “patches” of perennial weeds, apply the recommended rate per acre with a calibrated sprayer. Treat ten to fifteen feet beyond the weed “patch” on all sides. Spray the sod or row middles adjacent to the weed “patch” in the row.

Do NOT apply Stinger within 5 hours of expected rainfall or irrigation.

Do NOT permit Stinger to contact desirable foliage

 

 

 

NJMVC Further Extends Driver License, Registration, and Inspection Expiration Dates Due to COVID-19

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Sue Fulton, on Monday, May 18th, announced additional extensions to driver license, registration, and inspection expiration dates in the continuing efforts to mitigate COVID-19 and safeguard public health.

Effective immediately, the following documents, if expiring between March 13 and May 31, have been extended to July 31. Documents expiring June 30 are extended two months to August 31, and those expiring July 31 are extended to September 30.

• All Standard driver licenses (including permits) and standard non-driver IDs
• Privately owned and commercial vehicle registrations (including Farmer and Farm Use registrations)
• Vehicle inspections
• Purple Heart/Disabled Veteran placards
• Temporary tags

“Get it done online now, if you’re able,” Fulton suggests. “We do anticipate that volumes will spike once we reopen and when we reach the end of these extensions. Our job is to serve customers in the most efficient way possible and one way we can do that is by steering people to our expanded list of online services.”

On March 13, the NJMVC initially announced two-month extensions for licenses, registrations, and inspection stickers expiring in March, April, and May, timelines that have now been pushed back.

The NJMVC encourages customers to utilize online services, which have been expanded during the COVID-19 crisis. In most cases, customers can renew a license, replace a lost license, change an address, renew a registration, and complete other transactions through the NJMVC’s Online Services portal.

Customers also should check NJMVC.gov for the latest information and updates.