scholarly journals A Review of Non-Chemical Weed Control Practices in Christmas Tree Production

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 554
Author(s):  
Debalina Saha ◽  
Bert M. Cregg ◽  
Manjot Kaur Sidhu
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Biological Agents ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizers ◽  
Tree Plantations ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Weed Species ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Tree Production

Weeds interfere with Christmas tree growth at any time and at any stage of production. Growers mostly rely on mechanical mowing and applications of herbicides for weed control in their fields. However, herbicides can be phytotoxic to non-target plants, can cause environment-related issues, and their repeated application can even cause herbicide-resistant weeds. The main objective of this manuscript is to provide a review of non-chemical weed control strategies in Christmas tree production and identify areas where current practices could potentially be improved or in which further research is required. Preventing the introduction of weed seeds requires controlling weeds along farm roads, maintaining clean equipment, and eliminating new weeds before they start seeding. Mowing helps to reduce the number of seeds produced by the weeds and can significantly reduce competition with trees. Shropshire sheep are well suited for grazing Christmas tree plantations as they prefer grazing on grasses and weeds rather than on coniferous trees. Weeds can also be controlled around Christmas trees by mulching. Organic mulch can improve soil moisture, maintain soil temperatures, enhance root establishment and transplant survival, and improve plant establishment and overall growth. Incorporating cover crops into Christmas tree plantations may improve tree growth, quality, and soil fertility and can supplement conventional nitrogen fertilizers. However, if cover crops are not properly managed, they can be highly competitive with the trees. Flaming can cause suppression of many annual weed species but is less effective on larger weeds and needs to be applied with caution. Several insects have been used as biological agents to control selective weed species. However, further research is required to focus on several potential biological agents, different types and depths of mulches, on cover crops types and their competition with different species of Christmas trees and their effects on seedling survival and growth.

Establishing white clover (Trifolium repens) as a living mulch: weed control and herbicide tolerance

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Nicholas T. Basinger ◽  
Nicholas S. Hill
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Herbicide Tolerance ◽  
Single Application ◽  
Weed Species ◽  
Living Mulch ◽  
Herbicide Resistant ◽  
Research And Education ◽  
Weed Emergence

Abstract With the increasing focus on herbicide-resistant weeds and the lack of introduction of new modes of action, many producers have turned to annual cover crops as a tool for reducing weed populations. Recent studies have suggested that perennial cover crops such as white clover could be used as living mulch. However, white clover is slow to establish and is susceptible to competition from winter weeds. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine clover tolerance and weed control in established stands of white clover to several herbicides. Studies were conducted in the fall and winter of 2018 to 2019 and 2019 to 2020 at the J. Phil Campbell Research and Education Center in Watkinsville, GA, and the Southeast Georgia Research and Education Center in Midville, GA. POST applications of imazethapyr, bentazon, or flumetsulam at low and high rates, or in combination with 2,4-D and 2,4-DB, were applied when clover reached 2 to 3 trifoliate stage. Six weeks after the initial POST application, a sequential application of bentazon and flumetsulam individually, and combinations of 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, and flumetsulam were applied over designated plots. Clover biomass was similar across all treatments except where it was reduced by sequential applications of 2,4-D + 2,4-DB + flumetsulam in the 2019 to 2020 season indicating that most treatments were safe for use on establishing living mulch clover. A single application of flumetsulam at the low rate or a single application of 2,4-D + 2,4-DB provided the greatest control of all weed species while minimizing clover injury when compared to the non-treated check. These herbicide options allow for control of problematic winter weeds during clover establishment, maximizing clover biomass and limiting canopy gaps that would allow for summer weed emergence.

Bionomics of the pine needle scale (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), an emerging pest in Christmas tree (Pinaceae) plantations in southern Québec, Canada

2018 ◽  
Vol 150 (5) ◽  
pp. 632-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Frdéric Guay ◽  
Amy Bernier-Desmarais ◽  
Jean-François Doherty ◽  
Conrad Cloutier
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Scale Insects ◽  
Tree Plantations ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Pine Needle ◽  
Abies Fraseri ◽  
Fraser Fir ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Significant Damage ◽  
The Status

AbstractThe pine needle scale, Chionaspis pinifoliae (Fitch) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), has the status of an emerging pest in Christmas tree (Pinaceae) plantations in Québec, Canada. The scale is not known to cause any significant damage yet and is not generally monitored by growers. However, it can be an obstacle for exportation to Christmas tree markets where scale insects are strictly regulated. In this study, we describe its life cycle in Christmas tree plantations in southern Québec. We confirm the presence of both parthenogenetic and sexual forms of the scale on Fraser fir Abies fraseri (Pursh) Poiret (Pinaceae) grown as Christmas trees, and of parasitoid and Coccinellidae (Coleoptera) specialists that could contribute to its control.

Incidence of Monochamus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) species in Nova Scotia, Canada Christmas tree plantations and comparison of panel traps and lures from North America and Europe

2016 ◽  
Vol 149 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.E. Blatt ◽  
C. Bishop ◽  
J. Sweeney
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
North America ◽  
North American ◽  
Bursaphelenchus Xylophilus ◽  
Tree Plantations ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Pinewood Nematode ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Trap Catches

AbstractChristmas trees from Nova Scotia, Canada are banned from import into the European Union (EU) because they may be infected with the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer) Nickle (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae). Monochamus Dejean (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) species known to vector pinewood nematode are present in Nova Scotia but their abundance in Christmas tree plantations and surrounding stands has not been assessed. We conducted trapping surveys and experiments in 2014 and 2015 to determine the species of Monochamus and their relative abundance in Nova Scotia Christmas tree plantations and the surrounding forests. We also compared commercially available traps and lures from Europe (cross-vane traps, Galloprotect lure=monochamol+ipsenol+α-pinene+2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol) and North America (intercept panel traps, North American lure=monochamol+ipsenol+α-pinene+ethanol) for their efficacy at catching Monochamus species in a 2×2 factorial experiment. We captured three Monochamus species (M. scutellatus (Say), M. notatus (Drury), and M. marmorator Kirby) in Nova Scotia Christmas tree plantations. Mean trap catches were greater within the plantations than in the surrounding forests. North American panel traps coated with Fluon® and baited with the European lure caught the most M. notatus and M. scutellatus and would be most suitable for survey and monitoring.

scholarly journals Temperature-manipulated dynamics and phenology ofMindarus abietinus(Hemiptera: Aphididae) in commercial Christmas tree plantations in Québec, Canada

2017 ◽  
Vol 149 (6) ◽  
pp. 801-812 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-François Doherty ◽  
Jean-Frédéric Guay ◽  
Conrad Cloutier
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Colony Growth ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Tree Plantations ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Size Growth ◽  
Major Pest ◽  
Potential Damage

AbstractThe balsam twig aphidMindarus abietinusKoch (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a major pest of economic importance for the Christmas tree industry. Global warming during the 21st century could potentially increase local population densities and reinforce the pest status of this aphid in commercial fir (AbiesMiller; Pinaceae) plantations in Québec, Canada. During this study, we tested the effects of a warmer environment on colony growth rates ofM. abietinusand aphid morph composition during the second generation of its cycle, which is key to colony size growth and potential damage to Christmas trees. We monitoredM. abietinuspopulations on two host fir species and one host fir variety, in order to understand the early season dynamics of this aphid and its host tree. It was possible to distinguish the two overlapping generations of winged aphids leaving colonies, which led to observing a much higher proportion of wingless daughters, produced by the stem mother, than what had previously been reported. Colony growth rates were significantly higher in a warmer environment than in the nearby plantation, suggesting that warmer temperatures in late spring and early summer may provide the suitable conditions required forM. abietinuscolonies of greater density.

Effects of Azoxystrobin Application Rate and Treatment Interval on the Control of Rhabdocline pseudotsugae on Douglas-fir Christmas Trees

2005 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Ricky M. Bates ◽  
David A. Despot
Keyword(s):  
Control Program ◽  
Application Rate ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Disease Index ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Infection Period ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Tree Production

Rhabdocline needlecast caused by Rhabdocline pseudotsugae is the primary disease limiting Douglas-fir Christmas tree production in the northeastern United States. Azoxystrobin (Quadris) was recently registered for control of needlecasts on conifers, but little is known about its efficacy. In 2002, azoxystrobin was applied to field-grown Lincoln N.F. Douglas-fir Christmas trees at 0.14 or 0.28 g a.i./liter as the first or second spray of a chlorothalonil-based control program. In 2003, four sequential sprays of azoxystrobin at 0.28, 0.55, and 1.10 g a.i./liter were compared to chlorothalonil treatments. Untreated trees at both Pennsylvania test sites in both years were heavily infected, confirming high inoculum levels and environmental conditions favorable for infection. The standard program that consisted of 1.29 g a.i./liter chlorothalonil applications was very effective in controlling Rhabdocline in all experiments. In 2002, application interval had a significant effect on efficacy. Trees sprayed with 0.14 and 0.28 g a.i./liter azoxystrobin 9 days prior to an infection period had a higher disease index rating than those sprayed 2 days prior to the same infection period. Application rate did not appear to have an effect on efficacy. Trees receiving 1.10 g a.i./liter azoxystrobin had the same disease index rating as trees receiving the 0.28 g a.i./liter rate. In all cases, azoxystrobin treatments had significantly higher infection rates than the standard chlorothalonil treatment. The level of natural inoculum present at each site also appeared to play a role in azoxystrobin efficacy. Azoxystrobin is more than twice the cost of chlorothalonil and the data presented does not support any cost incentive for its inclusion in a Rhabdocline control program. Accepted for publication 19 May 2005. Published 17 June 2005.

Shearing is a Necessary Cultural Practice for Virginia Pine Christmas Tree Production

1978 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 135-136
Author(s):  
Shih-Chang Hu ◽  
Conrad W. Brewer
Keyword(s):  
Growing Season ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
State University ◽  
High Quality ◽  
The Third ◽  
Louisiana State University ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Proper Timing ◽  
Tree Production

Abstract The proper timing and methodology for shearing Virginia pine Christmas trees have been studied since 1967 at Louisiana State University. Results indicate two shearings per growing season are needed from the third growing season in order to produce a large number of high-quality Christmas trees. Should the grower not be able to shear the trees twice a year, a single shearing in April is the best alternative for maximizing the number of salable trees.

Podabrus rugosulus (Coleoptera: Cantharidae), an opportunist predator of Mindarus abietinus (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Christmas tree plantations

2001 ◽  
Vol 133 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Berthiaume ◽  
Christian Hébert ◽  
Conrad Cloutier
Keyword(s):  
Abies Balsamea ◽  
The United States ◽  
Balsam Fir ◽  
Tree Plantations ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Aesthetic Value ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Major Pest ◽  
The Aesthetic

The balsam twig aphid, Mindarus abietinus Koch, is a major pest of balsam fir, Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. (Pinaceae), grown as Christmas trees in eastern Canada and the United States (Nettleton and Hain 1982; Kleintjes 1997). This aphid has three or four generations from April to July, and overwinters as eggs on fir shoots. Mature fundatrices deposit progeny on new shoots in late May. Infested shoots develop into pseudogalls characterised by stunting and needle distortion, thus reducing the aesthetic value of trees.

Effect of roller-crimper technology on weed management in organic zucchini production in a Mediterranean climate zone

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corrado Ciaccia ◽  
Stefano Canali ◽  
Gabriele Campanelli ◽  
Elena Testani ◽  
Francesco Montemurro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Competitive Balance ◽  
Weed Species ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cropping Seasons

AbstractIntegrating cover crops into vegetable cropping systems can provide a wide range of ecological services, of which weed management is a key component. Cover crop effects on weed control, however, are dependent on termination methods and weed species present in specific cropping seasons. A 2-year weed management experiment with two cultivars of organic zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) in central Italy was carried out to compare the effect of a barley (Hordeum distichum L.) cover crop terminated with a modified roller-crimper (RC) to incorporated barley as green manure (GM) and a tilled control left fallow (FA) in the off-season. The effects of cover-crop management on crop competitiveness, yields and weed populations were evaluated by direct measurement, visual estimation and competition index methods. Results showed a significant reduction in weed biomass (>80%) and weed abundance with the RC compared to the GM and FA treatments. Moreover, the RC barley mulch maintained weed control in zucchini plots even under high weed pressure, as determined by the agronomic tolerance to competition (ATC) value of 67% in the RC treatment compared to 40 and 34% in the FA and GM treatments, respectively, averaged over both years of the experiment. The competitive balance (Cb), which quantified the ability of the zucchini crop to compete with weed populations, was also greater (+0.37) in the RC treatment compared to FA (−0.87) and GM (−0.69) treatments over the same period. Zucchini crop biomass was greatest in the RC treatment in 2011. Zucchini fruit yields varied from an average over both years of 1.4 Mg ha−1 in the RC treatment to 0.7 Mg ha−1 in the GM treatment, but yields in the FA treatment, 1.2 Mg ha−1, did not differ from the RC treatment. No differences in yield between ‘Dietary’ and ‘Every’ zucchini, or any significant interactions between cultivar and cover management related to fruit biomass, were observed. Our findings suggested the viability of the modified RC in creating a barley cover-crop mulch to effectively manage weeds and enhance yields in transplanted zucchini.

Effects of Frequency of Chemical Weed Control on Growth and Quality of Christmas Trees1

1989 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
James H. Brown ◽  
Martin A. Spetich ◽  
Randall B. Heiligmann
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Christmas Tree ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Fraser Fir ◽  
Christmas Trees ◽  
Foliage Density ◽  
Tree Quality ◽  
Christmas Tree Species

Abstract Effective weed control is essential to the production of high-quality Christmas trees on most planting sites. Many growers use herbicides applied along rows of trees, in combination with mowing between rows, to control competing grasses and broadleaved weeds. This study evaluated one-time, biannual, and annual applications of herbicide during a 6-year period on growth and quality of different Christmas tree species planted on moderately dry and moist planting sites. Increased height growth from more frequent applications was limited primarily to the drier site, and even on that site rotation length would have been reduced by only 1 year. Christmas tree quality, as reflected by foliage density and tree weights, generally improved on both areas as herbicides were applied more frequently. Colorado spruce, Douglas-fir, and Fraser fir benefited more than Scotch and white pines. North. J. Appl. For. 6:15-17, March 1989.

scholarly journals Use of Living, Mowed, and Soil-Incorporated Cover Crops for Weed Control in Apricot Orchards

Agronomy ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nihat Tursun ◽  
Doğan Işık ◽  
Zeynep Demir ◽  
Khawar Jabran
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Amaranthus Retroflexus ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Tribulus Terrestris ◽  
Weed Species ◽  
Convolvulus Arvensis ◽  
Vicia Villosa ◽  
Mechanical Weed Control

Apricot fruits provide important health, economic, and nutritional benefits. Weeds damage apricot production directly and host the pests that cause damages to apricot trees. However, very few studies are available on weed control in apricot orchards. This research work was aimed at evaluating five cover crops for weed suppression in apricot orchard. The effect of living, mowed, and soil-incorporated cover corps on weeds was recorded and compared with glyphosate application and mechanical weed control. The cover crops were Vicia villosa Roth., Vicia pannonica Crantz, Triticale + V. pannonica, Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth., and Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. Five major weed species in the experimental area were Amaranthus retroflexus L., Convolvulus arvensis L., Tribulus terrestris L., Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop., and Sorghum halepense (L.) Per. The highest biomass production was noted for Triticale + V. pannonica in 2015 and for P. tanacetifolia in 2016. Living cover crops were effective in decreasing the weed biomass compared with the control. Both mowing and soil incorporation of cover crops were effective in decreasing weed richness and density over control. Mowed or soil-incorporated cover crops were more effective than herbicide or mechanical weed control, while F. esculentum was the least effective cover crop for suppressing weeds in apricot orchard. The results of our studies implied that cover crops could be used for weed control in apricot, and their mowing or soil incorporation could enhance their efficacy.

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