Fall Pre-Emergent Herbicide Timing Results and Takeaways
Mike Basedow, Tree Fruit Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
In the August TFN, David Bittner and I discussed his strategy of post-harvest applications of 2,4-D and clopyralid (Stinger) to clean up the herbicide strip and row middles of perennial broadleaves. In addition to making that application in the fall to manage your problem perennials, post-harvest can also be a good time to get your pre-emergent materials on to get a leg up on your annual weeds heading into the next growing season. In the next few paragraphs, we'll discuss some results from our ARDP funded project comparing fall and spring pre-emergent herbicide applications, and some strategies you can use to get the most out of your fall pre-emergent herbicide applications.
Fall Pre-Emergent Herbicide Timing Results and Takeaways (pdf; 685KB)
Apples
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Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
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Plums
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Raspberries / Blackberries
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Upcoming Events
Rulfs Orchard Vegetable and Berry Field Meeting
August 4, 2026
Peru, NY
Join CCE vegetable specialists Elisabeth Hodgdon and Chuck Bornt for a vegetable and berry field meeting at Rulfs Orchard, in Peru, NY. We'll tour the farm's fields and talk about integrated pest management of sweet corn and cucurbit crops. Then, we'll view a drone demonstration and discuss new technologies for pesticide application and spotted wing drosophila management in berries. Light refreshments will be provided. A rain date will be announced if adverse weather is predicted.
Field Day at Philia Farm
August 6, 2026
Johnstown, NY
Visit organic seed production trials and tour the farm to see small-scale production systems at work, including tarping, cover cropping, and the use of assorted mulches and covers to modify the growing environment.
Capital Region Orchard Twilight Meeting
August 11, 2026
Rexford, NY
Join the ENYCHP and Cornell scientists on August 11 for the Capital Region Orchard Twilight meeting in Saratoga! We will be touring Bowman Orchards and reviewing seasonal recommendations for pests and diseases for apples, plums, and berries, as well discussing crop insurance.
NYSDEC Pesticide Applicator Recertification Credits: 1.25 in categories 22, 1A, & 10. Refreshments will be provided.
Free to attend, however we do ask that you register ahead so we know how many people to expect.