Timing of chopper herbicide site preparation relative to bedding in the establishment of lower coastal plain pine plantations
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The timing of Chopper® (BASF Corporation, Research Triangle Park, NC) herbicide applications before and after bedding was examined at four Lower Coastal Plain locations. Two bedding regimes, mid-season and late-season, were included at each location. Mid-season bedding occurred between May and July and late-season bedding between September and November. No post-plant herbaceous weed control treatments were included in this study series. Results indicate that many of the historical timing limitations placed on Chopper applications are not necessary. Woody vegetation control was achieved by all application dates, but lesser control was achieved by applications made when target vegetation was dormant or by applications made within 3 weeks after bedding. There was no need to allow vegetation to fully resprout after bedding to achieve control. Herbaceous control the year after treatment was better for applications made at least several weeks after mid-season bedding and applications made before late-season bedding.