The effect of dichlobenil (Casoron 6,7 G) on weed infestation, vegetative and productive performance of young sweet cherry trees

Abstract

In 2005-2006 at the Fruit-Growing Institute – Plovdiv a study was carried out on the efficiency and selectivity of the soil herbicide dichlobenil – Casoron 6.7 G in young sweet cherry plantations. A field experiment was conducted in a young orchard of Lapins cultivar grafted on the vegetative rootstock Gisela 5. The plantation was established in 2001 on alluvial-meadow soil (Fluvisol) at a planting distance of 5х3 m. The soil herbicide dichlobenil was applied during the fourth and the fifth growing seasons of the orchard, early in spring (10-15 March), before the beginning of weed plant development. The following treatments were employed: 1. Control (non-weeded, untreated); 2. Casoron 6.7 G – 80.0 kg/ha; 3. Casoron 6.7 G – 90.0 kg/ha; 4. Casoron 6.7 G – 100.0 kg/ha. The experiment was set up following the longplot design, 8 trees per treatment, in three replicates.

The soil herbicide dichlobenil applied at rates 80.0 – 100.0 kg/ha (trademark Casoron 6.7 G) had a very good herbicidal effect on a large number of annual and perennial grass and broad-leaved weed species. The efficient herbicide post-effect continued for about 7 months, controlling weed infestation during the whole vegetation period.

Visible symptoms of phytotoxicity and suppression of tree growth and fruiting were not observed after treatment with Casoron 6.7 G applied at all the three studied rates.

Dichlobenil – Casoron 6.7 G could be successfully applied for weed control at the rates 80.0-100.0 kg/ha in sweet cherry plantations grafted on the vegetative rootstock Gisela 5, older than 3 years.