Influence of Dichlobenil on Yield, Size, and Pigmentation of Cranberries

Abstract

The influence of 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile (dichlobenil) on yield, size, and pigmentation of cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait., var. Early Black) was studied. Data on the effect of fall and spring applications were collected over a 2-year test period and comparisons made. Yield increased and berry size decreased after 1 year from both fall and spring treatments. The slight increases in yield were attributed to good weed control and not to any direct effect of dichlobenil. Treatments of cranberries for 2 successive years (fall and spring) caused slight reductions in yield and berry size. Berries treated for 2 successive years with dichlobenil were analyzed for anthocyanin development. All applications considerably enhanced pigmentation, spring treatments having the greatest effect in this respect. Anthocyanin development increased with increase in the concentration of dichlobenil applied.