Influence of herbicides on establishment of tree seedlings in northern Israel

Abstract

The influence of the herbicides sulfometuron and simazine on the establishment of 8 species of tree seedlings was studied in northern Israel. The experiment included three treatments and a control. The first treatment applied simazine at a rate of 5 kg/ha, and second treatment applied simazine at a rate of 5 kg/ha and sulfometuron at a rate of 0.03 kg/ha. Sulfometuron was applied alone at a rate of 0.03 kg/ha in the third treatment. Statistical analyses showed significant effects on the survival of some species treated with sulfometuron. To ensure earlier season survival, the rate of sulfometuron applied should be kept at a minimum level to allow both weed control and adequate establishment of seedling. Low-rate applications are particularly important in arid and semi-arid areas.