Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) Response to Simulated Drift from Selected Herbicides

Abstract

This study evaluated the response of sweet cherry to different herbicides applied at rates simulating drift. Chlorsulfuron, thifensulfuron, bromoxynil, 2,4-D, glyphosate, and a combination of 2,4-D and glyphosate were applied on one side of one- and two-year-old established cherry trees at 1/3, 1/10, 1/33, and 1/100 of the maximum rate for small grain production. The order of herbicide phytotoxicity was chlorsulfuron > 2,4-D > glyphosate > 2,4-D + glyphosate > thifensulfuron > bromoxynil. Trees recovered from injury caused by all treatments except higher rates of chlorsulfuron, 2,4-D, and glyphosate. The herbicides caused characteristic symptoms, but some resembled disease, mineral deficiency, and environmental stress symptoms. Therefore, any allegations about herbicide drift based on chronic symptoms should be supported by analysis of plant tissue.