Bifenox: A Promising New Herbicide for Southern Pine Nurseries

Abstract

Abstract Preemergence tests over a three-year period at 11 forest nurseries indicate that bifenox at 1.5, 3, or 6 pounds active ingredient per acre provides good weed control without causing injury to loblolly (Pinus taeda L.), slash (Pinus elliottii Engelm.), shortleaf (Pinus echinata Mill.) and longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.). The lower rates did not harm eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.), but the 6 pound per acre rate reduced seedling density. At most locations bifenox at 3 pounds per acre provided longer lasting weed control than diphenamid at 4 pounds per acre. Postemergence applications of bifenox at 2 or 4 pounds per acre controlled small succulent weeds at eight forest nurseries without injuring 3- to 10-week old seedlings of loblolly, slash, and eastern white pine.¹