Blackberries and Raspberries
Boysen, evergreen blackberry, Logan, and Marion; and red and black raspberries
Ed Peachey and Diane Kaufman
Revised November 20, 2008

BLACKBERRIES AND RASPBERRIES—Site  Preparation
•  glyphosate (numerous product names)
Rate  Consult labels
Remarks  Apply to weeds at least 10 days before planting crop. Use highest rate on field bindweed. Do not apply if weeds are stressed by drought, weather, or maturity. Rain within 6 hr after application may reduce effectiveness. Inhibits production of three amino acids and protein synthesis.
Site of action  Group 9: inhibits EPSP synthase
Chemical family  None generally accepted
BLACKBERRIES AND RASPBERRIES—New Plantings and Nonbearing Crops
•  simazine (Princep 4L)
Rate  2 to 4 lb ai/A (2 to 4 quarts/A Princep 4L)
Time  Apply in spring within 2 wk after transplanting if soil is settled around plant roots. Apply before weeds are established. In plantings less than 6 mo old, use half the above rate.
Remarks  Requires sprinkler irrigation or rain to activate. 
Caution  Do not apply on sandy or gravelly soils. 
Site of action  Group 5: photosystem II inhibitor
Chemical family  Triazine
•  napropamide (Devrinol 50DF)
Rate  4 lb ai/A (8 lb/A Devrinol 50DF)
Time  Apply after transplanting to firm soil before weeds germinate. Apply in fall through spring for early weed emergence control.
Remarks  The day of treatment, wet soil 2 to 4 inches deep to reduce degradation by sun and to activate herbicide. If convenient, shallow mechanical incorporation appears to improve activation. Inhibits root growth.
Site of action  Group 15: inhibits very long chain fatty acid synthesis
Chemical family  Acetamide
•  oryzalin (Surflan AS)
Rate  2 to 6 lb ai/A (2 to 6 quarts/A Surflan AS)
Time  Apply after transplanting to firm soil before weeds germinate.
Remarks  Do not allow transplant roots to contact treated soil. Requires sprinkler irrigation, rain, or shallow cultivation (1 to 2 inches) for activation. Inhibits cell division or mitosis, primarily in roots.
Site of action  Group 3: microtubule assembly inhibitor
Chemical family  Dinitroaniline
•  isoxaben (Gallery 75DF)
new plantings and nonbearing crops in alternate-year systems
Rate  0.5 to 1 lb ai/A (0.66 to 1.33 lb/A Gallery 75DF) depending on target weed species
Time  Apply after transplanting to firm soil, or during the nonbearing year of alternate-year production. Apply before weeds germinate and emerge. Requires sprinkler irrigation or rain (0.5 inch or more) to activate. 
Remarks  Controls several broadleaf weeds but no grasses. Partially suppresses field bindweed and curly dock at 1 lb ai/A. 
Caution  Do not apply within 1 yr of harvest. 
Site of action  Group 21: inhibits cell wall biosynthesis Site B
Chemical family  Benzamide
•  isoxaben (0.5%) + trifluralin (2%) (Snapshot 2.5TG)
new plantings and nonbearing crops in alternate-year systems
Rate  2.5 to 5 lb ai/A (100 to 200 lb/A Snapshot 2.5TG), depending on target weed species, length of control desired, and soil conditions
Time  Apply after transplanting to firm soil or during the nonbearing year of alternate-year production. Apply before weeds germinate. Requires sprinkler irrigation or rain (0.5 inch or more) to activate. Results are best if activated within 3 days of application.
Remarks  Controls several broadleaf weeds and grasses. Partially suppresses field bindweed and curly dock at 200 lb/A.
Caution  Do not apply within 1 yr of harvest. 
Site of action  (isoxaben) Group 21: inhibits cell wall synthesis Site A; (trifluralin) Group 3: microtubule assembly inhibitor
Chemical family  (isoxaben) benzamide; (trifluralin) dinitroaniline
•  flumioxazin (Chateau)
raspberries only; new plantings and nonbearing; 
Oregon and Washington only
Rate  0.07 lb ai/A (2.2 oz/A Chateau WDG 51%) 
Time  Post-transplant—after transplanting but before emergence. Directed spray—direct spray to base of primocanes when canes are actively growing. Dormant spray—over the top when canes are dormant. Apply to weed-free soil for preemergence weed control.
Remarks  Special local needs labels OR-070002 and WA-070005. Controls several broadleaf weeds. 
Caution  Preharvest interval is 365 days.
Site of action  Group 14: protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor
Chemical family  N-phenylphthalimide
•  fluazifop (Fusilade DX)
for new plantings and nonbearing crops in alternate-year systems 
Rate  0.25 to 0.375 lb ai/A (16 to 24 oz/A) depending on target species and growth stage
Time  Apply to actively growing grasses, or within 7 days after irrigation, as a directed spray with 1% crop oil or 0.25% nonionic surfactant. 
Remarks  Identify grasses and adjust rates depending on susceptibility and stage of weed growth according to label instructions. Results often are erratic on grasses stressed from lack of vigor, drought, high temperature, or low fertility. More mature grasses and quackgrass can be controlled but may require two applications. Annual bluegrass and all fine fescues resist treatment. Inhibits fatty acid production, cell membranes, and new growth.
Caution  Do not apply to crops that will be harvested within 1 yr of treatment. Grazing is prohibited.
Site of action  Group 1: acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor
Chemical family  Aryloxyphenoxy propionate
•  sethoxydim (Poast)
Rate  0.47 lb ai/A (2.5 pints/A Poast)
Remarks  Identify susceptible grasses and apply at optimum growth stage listed on the label by adding 2 pints/A of a nonphytotoxic crop oil concentrate to improve leaf absorption. Control often is erratic on grasses stunted or stressed from drought, high temperatures, or low fertility. Resistant grasses include annual bluegrass and all fine fescues, but quackgrass can be suppressed. Inhibits fatty acid production, cell membranes, and new growth.
Caution  Do not exceed 5 pints/A of Poast per season. Preharvest interval is 45 days.
Site of action  Group 1: acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor
Chemical family  Cyclohexanedione 
•  clethodim (Prism or Envoy)
nonbearing crop only
Rate  0.095 to 0.12 lb ai/A (13 to 17 fl oz/A Envoy)
Time  Apply postemergence to actively growing annual or perennial grasses as listed on label.
Remarks  For use on nonbearing Vaccinium and Rubus spp. Consider environmental and plant growth conditions that affect leaf uptake (see label). Add 0.25% v/v nonionic surfactant to improve efficacy.
Caution  Do not exceed 68 fl oz/A per season. Do not apply over top of plants.
Site of action  Group 1: acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor
Chemical family  Cyclohexanedione
•  glyphosate (numerous product names)
Rate  See label
Time  Apply to actively growing weeds either as site preparation or in nonbearing crops 1 yr before first harvest. 
Remarks  Avoid contact with green foliage or suckers of crop.
Caution  Do not exceed 12.8 pints/A per year. Follow all precautions on label.
Site of action  Group 9: inhibits EPSP synthase
Chemical family  None generally accepted
BLACKBERRIES AND RASPBERRIES—Established Plantings—Winter Applications that Persist in Soil
•  diuron (several products)
Rate  1.6 to 2.4 lb ai/A (2 to 3 lb/A of the 80% formulation)
Time  Apply in winter as single application, or apply half-doses in October and March.
Remarks  Reduce rate or rotate to other herbicides after weed control is achieved. Sprinkler irrigate if applied before fall rains begin. Spray soil around base of plant avoiding crop foliage. Can be rotated with simazine or other herbicides (except terbacil) to reduce weed shifts. (Inhibits photosynthesis.)
Caution  Do not use within 1 yr after planting nor on plants being tip layered. Do not apply on very sandy or gravelly soils. 
Site of action  Group 7: photosystem II inhibitor
Chemical family  Substituted urea
•  simazine (Princep)
Rate  1.6 to 4 lb ai/A (3.2 to 8 pints/A)
Time  Apply in winter as single application, or apply half-doses in October and March.
Remarks  Reduce rate or rotate with other herbicides after weeds are controlled. Requires surface moisture to activate. Apply half-rate on plants less than 6 mo old. Can be rotated with diuron or other herbicides (except terbacil)  to reduce weed shifts. 
Site of action  Group 5: photosystem II inhibitor
Chemical family  Triazine
•  terbacil (Sinbar)
Rate  0.8 to 1.6 lb ai/A (1 to 2 lb/A Sinbar)
Time  Apply higher rate on fine-texture soils or soils high in organic matter in fall or early spring before fruit set while weeds are small.
Remarks  Sprinkler irrigate if rain does not follow application in 2 wk. Reduce rates by as much as half or rotate with other herbicides after weeds are controlled. Calibrate sprayer and apply with tractor-mounted, fixed-boom sprayer using a constant speed and delivery rate. 
Caution  Do not apply on gravelly soils or soils containing less than 1% organic matter, nor on weak plants or eroded areas with exposed roots. Avoid use for 2 yr if replanting is anticipated. Can be rotated with diuron or other herbicides (except simazine) to reduce weed shifts. Preharvest interval is 70 days.
Site of action  Group 5: photosystem II inhibitor
Chemical family  Uracil
•  norflurazon (Solicam DF)
Rate  1.95 to 7.8 lb ai/A (2.5 to 10 lb/A Solicam DF)
Time  Apply as directed spray from fall to early spring before weeds emerge and when crop is dormant.
Remarks  Soil surface must be weed free and relatively free of plant residues or debris. Apply only once per year. Temporary bleaching or chlorosis may occur. Inhibits yellow pigment formation and bleaches green chlorophyll.
Caution  Do not apply to nursery stock.
Site of action  Group 12: bleaching; inhibits carotenoid biosynthesis
Chemical family  Pyridazinone
•  dichlobenil (Casoron CS and 4G, Norosac)
Rate  1.96 to 3.92 lb a/A (1.4 to 2.8 gal/A CS formulation); 4 lb ai/A (100 lb/A Casoron 4G)
Time  Apply midwinter immediately before a cold rain to reduce volatility and enhance weed suppression.
Remarks  Weigh and distribute uniformly exact quantities over precisely measured areas to ensure accurate applications. The CS formulation (liquid) may allow more precise application rates. In thornless evergreen blackberries, apply November 15 through February 15 but never on light-texture, sandy soils. Oregon results over 9 yr suggest perennial weeds can be suppressed with 4-, 3-, and 2-lb ai/A rates applied during 3 consecutive years. Inhibits cellulose and cell wall formation.
Caution  Grazing livestock is prohibited. Do not apply during shoot emergence.
Site of action  Group 20: inhibits cell wall synthesis Site A
Chemical family  Nitrile
•  napropamide (Devrinol 50DF)
Rate  4 lb ai/A (8 lb/A Devrinol 50DF)
Time  Apply in fall through spring before weeds germinate or apply foliar-active herbicide to control existing vegetation.
Remarks  Irrigation or shallow incorporation is recommended for treatments made November through February, if no rain falls within 2 wk after applying. Irrigate within 24 hours to wet soil 2 to 4 inches deep when applied March through October. Excessive plant residues on soil surface reduce performance. Inhibits root growth.
Site of action  Group 15: inhibits very long chain fatty acid synthesis
Chemical family  Acetamide
•  oryzalin (Surflan AS)
Rate  2 to 6 lb ai/A (2 to 6 quarts/A Surflan AS)
Time  Apply late fall or early spring to bare soil or after existing vegetation has been destroyed by tillage or use of a foliar-active herbicide. 
Remarks  Use higher rates or split treatments and apply in fall and spring for longer residual control. Irrigate with at least 0.5 inch water or rain to activate herbicide. Shallow cultivation can control newly germinated weeds without reducing herbicide activity. Allow 24 mo before planting vegetables after berries. Inhibits mitosis, primarily in roots.
Site of action  Group 3: microtubule assembly inhibitor
Chemical family  Dinitroaniline
•  pronamide (Kerb 50W)
Rate  1 to 3 lb ai/A (2 to 6 lb/A Kerb 50W)
Time  Apply in fall or winter, preferably October to December when ground is not frozen. 
Remarks  Label for Idaho  is special local needs for raspberries and blackberries (ID-020020). Use lower rates on annual grasses, higher rates on perennial grasses such as quackgrass. Requires moisture from rain or irrigation for activation. Use only in berries established at least 3 mo. Degraded by microorganisms at higher temperatures. Inhibits root growth.
Caution  A restricted-use pesticide. Do not exceed one application a year.
Site of action  Group 3: microtubule assembly inhibitor
Chemical family  Benzamide
BLACKBERRIES AND RASPBERRIES—Established Plantings—Directed Applications in Berry Rows
•  paraquat (Gramoxone Inteon)
Rate 0.5 to 1 lb ai/A (2 to 4 pints/A Gramoxone Inteon)
Time  Apply late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge, or late summer or fall after training new canes.
Remarks  Adjust spray volume to thoroughly wet weeds. Add a nonionic surfactant or crop oil concentrate as label specifies, taking care to avoid anionic formulations that react in the tank to form insoluble precipitates. Acts as a contact; absorbs energy produced by photosynthesis, forming peroxides that disrupt living cells.
Caution  A restricted-use pesticide. Do not ingest or inhale spray mist. Wear protective face shields, respirators, and clothing. 
Site of action  Group 22: photosystem I electron diversion
Chemical family  Bipyridilium
 •  glyphosate (numerous product names)
blackberries only
Rate  Consult labels
Time  Apply to actively growing weeds.
Remarks  Avoid treatments in late summer when sugars move toward crown. Select application equipment to prevent crop injury by directing spray, or use low-pressure hand-held sprayers or selective applicators. Adjust concentration depending on equipment. Consult label about rate and time of application, especially for perennial weeds. Mixing additional surfactant or ammonium sulfate as label instructs may improve control of slightly stressed weeds. Preharvest interval is 14 days. If repeat applications are necessary, do not exceed a total of 10.6 lb ai/A in 1 yr. Inhibits production of three amino acids and protein synthesis.
Caution  Grazing is prohibited. In raspberries, the herbicide moves throughout the plant; excessive injury prevents labeling and use in this crop. Repeated glyphosate applications have created resistant biotypes of ryegrass in Australian and Oregon orchards. To avoid weed resistance, rotate weed control practices and use products from different herbicide groups.
Site of action  Group 9: inhibits EPSP synthase
Chemical family  None generally accepted
•  glyphosate (several products)
blackberries only
Rate  Wiper: 33% solution
Remarks  Mix 1 gal product with 2 gal water and wipe weeds, avoiding contact with desirable vegetation. In severe infestations, reduce equipment ground speed or apply in two directions to ensure contact with wiper. (See remarks above.)
Site of action  Group 9: inhibits EPSP synthase
Chemical family  None generally accepted
•  clove leaf oil (Matran EC) 
Rate  5 to 8% dilution in 25 to 100 gal of water, depending on weed size, temperature, and sunlight intensity.
Time  Before weeds are 6 inches tall.
Remarks  OMRI listed and WSDA approved herbicide for in-crop use. Apply before crop emerges, or between rows after emergence; avoid contact with desirable foliage. Directed sprays or hooded sprayers are recommended to protect desirable foliage. Works best on annual weeds less than 6 inches. Performance may be erratic depending on environmental conditions. Bright sunlight improves efficacy. No preharvest or re-entry interval. 
•  lemon grass oil (Green Match EX) 
Rate  7 to 15% depending on weed size and species.
Time  When weeds are less than 6 inches tall.
Remarks  OMRI listed, NOP compliant, and WSDA approved organic burndown herbicide for use in crop and non-crop sites. Foliage contacted by Green Match will be damaged. Directed sprays or hooded sprayers are recommended to protect desirable foliage. Coverage is very important. Leaf damage is visible within hours. Cool weather may slow activity. No re-entry interval. Fast wilting or necrosis of the leaves due to removal of waxy cuticle
•  sethoxydim (Poast) 
Rate  0.47 lb ai/A (2.5 pints/A Poast) 
Time  Apply at optimum growth stage listed on the label; add 2 pints/A nonphytotoxic crop oil concentrate to improve leaf absorption.
Remarks  Identify susceptible grasses. Control often is erratic if grasses are stunted or stressed from drought, high temperatures, or low fertility. Resistant grasses include annual bluegrass and all fine fescues, whereas quackgrass can be suppressed. Inhibits fatty acid production, cell membranes, and new growth.
Caution  Preharvest interval is 45 days. Do not exceed 5 pints/A per season. 
Site of action  Group 1: acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor
Chemical family  Cyclohexanedione
BLACKBERRIES AND RASPBERRIES—Weed Control and Cane Suppression for Mechanical Harvesting
•  pelargonic acid (Scythe) 
Rate  For annual weeds, a 3 to 5% solution; for burndown or sucker control, a 5 to 7% solution
Time  Apply in 75 to 200 gal/A water broadcast when temperatures exceed 45°F. Apply to weeds or primocanes shorter than 6 inches.
Remarks  Cool weather after treatment may slow activity and delay or reduce visible effects. Adding a surfactant may enhance control.
Site of action  Unknown
Chemical family  Unknown
•  oxyfluorfen (Goal 2XL)
raspberries only; Washington and Oregon only
Rate   0.2 to 0.75 lb ai/A (0.75 to 3 pints/A Goal 2XL broadcast)
Time  Apply when primocanes have emerged 4 to 6 inches.
Remarks  Special local needs labels for primocane suppression in raspberries with Goal (WA-040036 and OR-020025). Use a minimum spray volume of 50 gal/A broadcast (see label for conversion from broadcast to banded rate). Adding 2 pints 80% active nonionic surfactant per 100 gal spray solution is suggested. Primocane suppression may last 3 to 6 wk; adjust timing, rate, and number of applications according to plant vigor and desired degree of primocane suppression. Cool, overcast conditions may enhance activity or injure the crop.
Caution  Do not exceed 5 pints/A broadcast per season.
Site of action  Group 14: inhibits protoporphyrinogen oxidase
Chemical family  Diphenylether
•  oxyfluorfen (Goal 2XL)
blackberries during bearing year; Oregon only
Rate  0.4 to 0.8 lb ai/A (1.6 to 3.2 pints/A Goal 2XL broadcast)
Time  Apply when primocanes have emerged 4 to 6 inches. 
Remarks  Special local needs label for primocane suppression in blackberries with Goal (OR-020024). Use a minimum spray volume of 50 gal/A broadcast (see label for conversion from broadcast to banded rate). Adding 2 pints 80% active nonionic surfactant per 100 gal spray solution is suggested. Primocane suppression may last 3 to 6 wk; adjust timing, rate, and number of applications according to plant vigor and desired degree of primocane suppression. Cool, overcast conditions may enhance activity or injure the crop. The highest rate and/or additional applications may be required. 
Caution  Do not exceed 8 pints/A broadcast per season.
Site of action  Group 14: inhibits protoporphyrinogen oxidase
Chemical family  Diphenylether
•  oxyfluorfen (Goal 2XL only)
alternate-year blackberries during nonbearing year; Oregon only
Rate  0.5 to 1 lb ai/A (2 to 4 pints/A Goal 2XL broadcast rate) 
Time  Apply when desired primocanes reach either the bottom wire or are 4 ft high (typically early to mid-June).
Remarks  Special local needs label OR-020026. Apply after desired number of canes have been bundled and trained to trellis wire. Otherwise, next year’s crop potential may be harmed and control of basal growth will be diminished. A second treatment may be required to suppress new growth at base of plant.
Site of action  Group 14: inhibits protoporphyrinogen oxidase
Chemical family  Diphenylether
•  carfentrazone (Aim EC)
raspberries and blackberries; Oregon and Washington only
Rate  0.1 lb ai/A (6.4 oz/A Aim EC); consult labels
Time  Apply when primocanes are about 6 inches tall. In alternate-year blackberries, do not apply to new canes during nonbearing year.
Remarks  Apply as directed application in band to bottom 18 inches of canes. Apply in at least 40 gal/A water. Can reapply at 14- to 21-day intervals. Follow calculations for banded applications. Minimize drift or spotting of crop foliage with large-orifice nozzles and low pressure while directing spray toward base of canes.
Caution  Do not treat caneberries stressed by drought, poor growth, or disease. Preharvest interval is 15 days. Do not exceed 0.4 lb ai/A (16 oz/A) per season.
Site of action  Group 14: inhibits protoporphyrinogen oxidase
Chemical family  Triazinone
breakhere