Chopper herbicide site preparation for different bedding timings and vegetation complexes in North Florida

Abstract

The use of Chopper® (BASF Corporation, Research Triangle Park, NC) herbicide applied with an oil and water carrier was tested for site preparation. Tests were installed at eight locations to examine slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) response and vegetation control with different vegetation types and timings of bedding. Chopper was applied in October at three rates by itself and tank-mixed with triclopyr or glyphosate. Two locations bedded in September included post plant herbaceous weed control treatments of Arsenal AC® (BASF) or Oustar® (Dupont) instead of Chopper tank mixes. Chopper site prep treatments were effective on poorly to somewhat poorly drained spodosols with either gallberry [Ilex glabra (L.) Gray] or titi (Cyrilla racemiflora L.) and fetterbush [Lyonia lucida (Lam.) Koch] vegetation. Chopper rates < 32 ounces-per-acre resulted in poorer pine growth. Tank mixes with triclopyr or glyphosate did not improve pine response or vegetation control in most instances. Pine response and vegetation control following Chopper site prep was variable on moderately well-drained soils. Herbaceous weed control treatments differed in performance, but Oustar did not control woody vegetation and Arsenal only suppressed woody vegetation.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 13th Biennial Southern Silvicultural Research Conference

Citation

Lauer, Dwight K.; Quicke, Harold E.; Adams, David. 2006. Chopper herbicide site preparation for different bedding timings and vegetation complexes in North Florida. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-92. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 150-154