In the vast, rolling landscapes of lowbush blueberry fields, farmers face an ongoing battle against hair fescue, a tenacious weed that stifles crop yields. But a recent study led by Craig B. MacEachern, a Postdoctoral Fellow at Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture, offers a promising new strategy to combat this nuisance using targeted herbicide application. The research, published in the journal Weed Technology (formerly known as Weed Technology), could significantly impact the lowbush blueberry industry, offering a more efficient and potentially cost-effective approach to weed management.
Hair fescue, scientifically known as Festuca filiformis, is a persistent problem in lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) fields. It competes with the crop for resources, reducing yields and posing a significant challenge for farmers. The study, led by MacEachern, explored the efficacy of dichlobenil, a herbicide known commercially as Casoron, when applied in targeted versus broadcast methods, and compared it with the industry-standard pronamide (Kerb).
The research revealed that both targeted and broadcast applications of dichlobenil significantly reduced hair fescue density. “Targeted and broadcast-applied dichlobenil in fall 2020 significantly reduced average total tuft density in the nonbearing year (2021) by 75% and 67%, respectively, and in the bearing year (2022) by 61% and 59%, respectively,” MacEachern explained. These reductions were comparable to those achieved with broadcast applications of pronamide, which reduced tuft density by 84% in the nonbearing year and 81% in the bearing year.
The study also examined the impact on lowbush blueberry yields. While the increases in yield were not statistically significant, the results were promising. Average yields were 416 g m−2 for the control, 557 g m−2 for pronamide applications, 573 g m−2 for targeted dichlobenil, and 617 g m−2 for broadcast-applied dichlobenil. The variation within the sample likely contributed to the lack of statistical significance, but the trends suggest potential benefits.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its potential to reduce the cost of herbicide application. Dichlobenil is expensive, costing around Can$1,873 per hectare. However, hair fescue’s non-uniform distribution in fields means that broadcast application may be wasteful. Targeted application could offer a more cost-effective solution, reducing the amount of herbicide needed and minimizing environmental impact.
“This work justifies the development of a mechanized precision-targeted applicator for use in lowbush blueberry cropping systems,” MacEachern stated. Such a tool could revolutionize weed management in the industry, offering a more efficient and sustainable approach.
The implications of this research extend beyond the immediate findings. As the lowbush blueberry industry seeks to reduce its reliance on pronamide, the development of targeted application technology could provide a valuable alternative. This could lead to more sustainable farming practices, reduced costs, and improved yields, ultimately benefiting both farmers and consumers.
In the ever-evolving landscape of agritech, this study highlights the importance of innovation in addressing longstanding challenges. As MacEachern and his team continue to explore the potential of targeted herbicide application, the lowbush blueberry industry may be on the cusp of a significant shift in weed management strategies. The journey towards more precise, efficient, and sustainable farming practices is underway, and the future looks promising.