Chemical control of epicormic shoots on 4 year old Pinus radiata D. Don

Summary

Epicormic or adventitious shoots often develop in young Pinus radiata D. Don plantations following pruning and thinning operations. Chemical control of epicormic shoots was investigated in a trial near Busselton in the South West of Western Australia, as an alternative to mechanical or silvicultural means of removal. Diquat (200 g/1) applied at 3 ml/1 and monosodium methyl arsenate (800 g/1) applied at 24 ml/1 killed epicormic shoots without significantly affecting the health and growth of trees.