Plan to Apply 2,4-D after Harvest in Orchards

Apple, peach, pear, plum, apricot and cherry growers have an excellent tool to cleanup broadleaf weeds with the application of 2,4-D Amine for dandelion control. Although this treatment is registered for either spring or fall, the fall timing can be very useful to reduce weed pressure next spring. 

2,4-D Amine can be used after harvest on actively growing weeds. For apples, all juice apples need to be cleaned up off the orchard floor before application. These two requirements may limit the usefulness of the timing to earlier harvest apples. However, in southwestern Ontario, we tested 2,4-D in apples as late as November, which resulted in excellent weed control of dandelions the next spring. The key is for weeds to be actively growing and to apply before fallen leaves block contact with weeds. 

Figure 1 - 2,4-D Amine application for dandelion control

Where weeds like Canada thistle, sow-thistle or Canada fleabane seeds have blown into your orchards this summer, and seedling weeds are now establishing, a fall application of 2,4-D Amine can be very effective in controlling the seedling stage. 

Again, be very cautious to avoid drift (including vapour drift) that can damage neighbouring plants like grapes, tomatoes, greenhouses and ornamental plants around homes, even with the fall timing.