Evaluation of acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides for red sorrel (Rumex acetosella L.) management in lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton)

Abstract Red sorrel is a common herbaceous perennial weed species in lowbush blueberry fields that may be managed with acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides. Greenhouse and field experiments were established to determine the crop tolerance and potential efficacy on red sorrel of tribenuron-methyl, nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron, foramsulfuron, flazasulfuron, pyroxsulam, and halosulfuron-methyl. Ramet density of greenhouse-grown red sorrel plants established from root fragments was reduced by tribenuron-methyl, flazasulfuron, and pyroxsulam, though tribenuron-methyl and flazasulfuron were the most consistently effective herbicides under field conditions. Spring non-bearing year tribenuron-methyl and flazasulfuron applications reduced both non-bearing and bearing year total red sorrel ramet density and reduced non-bearing year red sorrel flowering ramet and seedling density without injuring lowbush blueberry. Fall non-bearing year tribenuron-methyl and flazasulfuron applications reduced bearing year red sorrel total and flowering ramet density, and this application timing should be evaluated further to improve understanding of crop injury risks. Fall bearing year tribenuron-methyl and flazasulfuron applications reduced non-bearing year red sorrel total and flowering ramet density but did not reduce seedling density. Nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron, foramsulfuron, pyroxsulam, and halosulfuron-methyl efficacy on red sorrel were inconsistent or limited, and these herbicides are not recommended for red sorrel management in lowbush blueberry.