Fruit Bites for July 20-22 Orchard Weed Management

BL: Welcome back to another “Fruit Bites” brought to you by Valent U.S.A. With us again is Valent’s Travis Shoenwald. And this week Travis, we are talking about weed management in the orchard!

TS: Controlling the weeds in the orchard doesn’t have to mean a barren dirt field, but controlling some weeds can help reduce competition for water and nutrients as well as alternate hosts for leafhoppers that transmit viruses. Even dandelions compete for honey bee attention during bloom. Keeping weeds low under the drip line of the tree is crucial while leaving the drive row with grass, helps reduce erosion.

BL: what are some of the main weeds to watch out for?

TS: field bindweed – it wraps up sprinkler heads and can overtake new trees.

Thistle – once in your orchard, not many herbicides have any impact.

Mallow – alternate host for leafhoppers in cherry that can transmit X-disease

BL: So, bottom line …

[wrap up/recommendation for control]

BL: Well, thanks Travis. Join us again next time for Fruit Bites, brought to you by Valent. Until then, I’m Bob Larson.