Abstract
Christmas trees are sensitive to weed competition, especially during establishment. In initial stages of the tree crop, weeds can utilize available soil moisture and trees may succumb to drought stress. In later stages, weeds can even interfere with production practices. Non-chemical weed control methods alone may not provide effective weed control. Chemical weed management strategies involve the use of preemergence and postemergence herbicides at the right timing and application rates. There are many herbicides that are used in Christmas tree production in the United States, and each has specific application guidelines and weed control spectra. Moreover, crop trees vary in tolerance by species and tree age. Growers need to be careful while applying herbicides as many of these chemicals can cause injury to Christmas trees. Repeated application of herbicides with the same mechanism of action has resulted in development of herbicide resistance among several weed species. Managing herbicide resistance has now become an important issue. More research is required on identifying and managing herbicide resistance among weed species in Christmas tree production. Future research needs to focus on herbicide and mulch combinations, herbicide rotations, and tank mixing different herbicides with different mechanisms of actions and how these affect Christmas tree varieties.
Highlights
In the United States, Christmas trees are grown on around 15,000 farms which encompass nearly 350,000 acres [1]
The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of chemical weed control strategies in Christmas tree production specific to the United States and to identify knowledge gaps where current practices could potentially be improved or on which further research is required
While chemical weed control can be highly effective in Christmas tree production, herbicide resistance is becoming a more pressing issue in all agricultural fields, and Christmas tree production is no exception
Summary
In the United States, Christmas trees are grown on around 15,000 farms which encompass nearly 350,000 acres [1]. This industry yields an average of $250 million in sales per year and employs more than 100,000 people [2]. Non-chemical methods used to control weeds in Christmas tree production systems include mulching, mechanical control, livestock, cover crops, biological control, and thermal control. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of chemical weed control strategies in Christmas tree production specific to the United States and to identify knowledge gaps where current practices could potentially be improved or on which further research is required.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
