EFFECTS OF A ROTATION OF SIMAZINE, TERBACIL, AND DICHLOBENIL IN A MATURE APPLE ORCHARD
Annual yields of mature Kinkead Red Spy apple trees were higher when growth under trees was controlled by a rotation of three herbicides, namely, simazine (2-chloro-4, 6 bis(ethylamino)-s-triazine), terbacil (3-tert-butyl-5-chloro-6-methyluracil) and dichlobenil (2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile) compared to yields of trees in which sod was regularly mowed to control growth of weeds. While weed control with herbicide rotations was not as effective as with continuous usage of a single herbicide, it was commercially acceptable, and the problem of common vetch (Vicia cracca L.) as on escape weed, particularly with continuous simazine was largely avoided. Over the 6-yr period there was little effect on nutrient levels of the foliage. Use of a rotation of herbicides prevented the accumulation of residues in the soil and levels of all herbicides noted in year 1 of the rotation were reduced to negligible amounts 2 yr after a particular herbicide had been applied.