This chart shows the effects of weeds in new
orchards. In a Gala/M26 planting, first cropping 2 years after planting, yields
were much larger when weeds were controlled early (May) in the planting year,
and as well, when weeds were controlled longer (May to July) in the planting year.
Weed competition occurred even under a full trickle irrigation schedule. Yield
effects were 2 years after the weed competition occurred!
Early weed competition will also have an effect on fruit size. Controlling
weeds during May and June, as well as during the pre-harvest month of August,
gave better fruit size in the first crop year - again, 2 years after the weed
competition occurred.
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to Why Improve Weed Management in Young Trees and Vines?