High-Density Plantings of Olive Trees Are Tolerant to Repeated Applications of Indaziflam

Abstract

Olive production in the southeastern United States has recently begun to increase from demand for locally produced virgin olive oil. With no established commercial production as a reference, information about the effects of indaziflam residual herbicide on newly established trees was evaluated over time for up to 3 yr on loamy sand soils. Multiple spring and autumn applications of indaziflam at different rates were applied to the same newly planted or 1-yr-old olive trees in different experiments in consecutive years. Visual injury, height, and caliper diameter measures were taken monthly during the growing season up to six times. Regression analysis of treatments over time indicated no differences in olive tree growth for plots treated with indaziflam at 38, 75, or 150 g ai ha–1 up to five times in 3 yr, compared with nontreated controls. This information will be beneficial as olive growers seek viable weed control options when establishing new groves in the region.