Apple and Peach Orchard Establishment Following Multi-year Use of Diuron, Simazine, and Terbacil

Abstract

Combinations of diuron, simazine, and terbacil were applied every year over 15 and 16 years to the same plots. Apple (Malu×domestica Borkh.) and peach (Prunus persica L.) trees then were planted 1 and 2 years following the last herbicide application. In general, apple-tree growth was not affected, but peach tree growth was reduced by some herbicide treatments. Peach-tree growth was reduced in plots treated with terbacil and soil organic matter was lowest in these plots. Time of last herbicide treatment did not affect apple- or peach-tree growth. The results indicated that reduced fruit-tree growth was associated with reduced soil organic matter and that residual terbacil may have inhibited peach-tree growth. Chemical names used: N′-(3,4-dichlorphenyl)-N,N-dimethylurea (diuron); 6-chloro-N,N′-diethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine (simazine); 5-chloro-3-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-6-methyl-2,4(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione (terbacil).