Vineyards and Grapes
(Note: Some clones may be sensitive to certain herbicides)
Ed Peachey
Revised November 24, 2008
GRAPES—Weed and Vegetation Management
General strategy  Vegetation management in vineyards is determined by site-specific environmental factors. Weed competition and interference must be minimized within the row while trafficability and soil conservation are required between rows (see Vegetation Management in Orchards, Vineyards, and Berries in this handbook).
Cultivation  Tillage controls annual weeds and suppresses perennials weeds. Cultivation is required every 3 wk to eventually deplete perennials. Soil temperatures are increased by tillage or cultivation that keeps the soil surface bare, especially during grape maturation west of the Cascades. Growers often compromise by tilling every other row in alternate years to ensure trafficability during harvest. Adverse effects include soil erosion from sloping sites, soil compaction, and reduced water infiltration during winter rains (except in very sandy soils).
Mowing or flailing  Mowing or flailing grass sods or weedy vegetation in aisles improves trafficability, prevents erosion, and improves soil conditions. Improved turf grass varieties combined with water and fertilizer management for both the crop and sod offer long-term advantages in soil management. Caution, however, is advised during vineyard establishment under nonirrigated conditions where vine growth may be reduced in the first 3 yr from competition by most deep-rooted vegetation.
Mulches  Organic mulches encourage weed infestations and rodent habitat in vineyards but conserve moisture and improve soil tilth. Most polyethylene films last only one or two seasons. Woven or spun-bonded fabrics have controlled weeds for 5 to 7 yr if the surface remains free of mulch or leaf debris that encourages weed germination. Consider expenses and adopt practices to prevent tearing fabric.
Flaming  Propane burning will sear small broadleaf weeds, but only reduces vegetative growth of grasses and perennial weeds since growing points remain protected beneath the soil surface. Metal shrouds or covers conserve fuel by briefly elevating temperatures.
Herbicides  Grape roots proliferate in undisturbed, competition-free strips representing a third to half of the planting area, depending on moisture availability. New plantings require supplemental water or nearly vegetation-free conditions during the first 3 yr of establishment. Choose combinations of practices that act together to achieve your desired level of vegetation management.
GRAPES—Site Preparation
•  glyphosate (numerous product names)
Rate  0.47 to  4.5 lb ai/A (11 oz to 3.3 quarts/A Roundup Max)
Time  Apply to weeds at least 10 days before planting the crop.
Remarks  Use highest rate on field bindweed. Rain within 6 hours after application may reduce effectiveness. Inhibits production of three amino acids and protein synthesis.
Caution  Do not apply if weeds are under stress from drought, weather, or maturity. 
Site of action  Group 9: inhibits EPSP synthase
Chemical family  None generally accepted
GRAPES—New Plantings
•  napropamide (Devrinol)
Rate  4 lb ai/A (40 lb/A Devrinol)
Time  Apply after transplanting to firm soil before weeds germinate.
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 activity. Avoid exposure of transplant roots contacting soil. 
Site of action  Group 15: inhibits very long chain fatty acid synthesis
Chemical family  Acetamide
•  oryzalin (Surflan)
Rate 2 to 6 lb ai/A (2 to 6 quarts Surflan/A)  
Time  Apply after transplanting to firm soil before weeds germinate.
Remarks  Requires sprinkler irrigation, rain, or shallow cultivation (1 to 2 inches) to activate. Rate depends on duration of weed control desired. Inhibits mitosis, primarily in roots.
Site of action  Group 3: microtubule assembly inhibitor
Chemical family  Dinitroaniline
•  pendimethalin (Prowl H2O, Prowl 3.3EC, and other products)
nonbearing crop
Rate  1.9 to 3.8 lb ai/A (2 to 4 quarts/A) Prowl H2O; 1.98 to 3.96 lb ai/A (2.4 to 4.8 quarts/A) Prowl 3.3EC
Time  Apply before or after planting or to 1-yr dormant vines. 
Remarks  Spray directly on the ground beneath newly planted and 1-yr-old vines. Overhead watering or rain is required (usually 0.5 inch is adequate) within 7 days for herbicide activation. Can also be applied before transplanting vines by incorporating into the top 2 inches of soil or by applying to soil surface. Minimize contact of treated soil with the vine roots when transplanting.
Caution  Do not apply over the tops of vines with leaves or open buds. Do not graze treated areas or apply more than 6.3 quarts/A per year.
Site of action  Group 3: microtubule assembly inhibitor
Chemical family  Dinitroaniline
•  trifluralin (Treflan and several other products, EC and granular)
Rate  0.5 to 2 lb ai/A (1 to 4 pints Treflan)
Time  Before transplanting or in established bearing and nonbearing vineyards.
Remarks  Apply before times of expected weed emergence or immediately after existing weeds are controlled. Apply as a directed spray to the soil and incorporate with methods that do not injure the crop. Use lower rates on sandy soils or soil containing low organic matter levels. Inhibits mitosis in roots and shoots. Preharvest interval is 60 days.
Site of action  Group 3: microtubule assembly inhibitor
Chemical family  Dinitroaniline
•  isoxaben (Gallery or Gallery T&V)
nonbearing crop only
Rate  0.495 to 0.998 lb ai/A (0.66 to 1.33 lb/A)
Time  Apply in late summer to early fall, in early spring, or immediately after cultivation to debris-free soil surface.
Remarks  Activate with 0.5 inch water or shallow cultivation before weeds begin to emerge. Chemical stability remains adequate when left on soil surface for 21 days. Identify weeds and adjust rates according to charts on label.
Caution  Do not apply to newly transplanted crops until the soil has settled and cracks disappear.
Site of action  Group 21: inhibits cell wall synthesis Site B
Chemical family  Benzamide
•  isoxaben + trifluralin (Snapshot 2.5TG)
nonbearing crop only
Rate  2.5 to  5 lb ai/A (100 to 200 lb/A Snapshot 2.5TG) 
Time  Apply to weed- and debris-free soil.
Remarks  Soil must be settled with water and free of cracks following transplanting. Activate within 21 days using 0.5 inch of water or shallow cultivation before weeds begin to emerge. Follow label instructions for repeat treatments.
Site of action  (isoxaben) Group 21: inhibits cell wall synthesis Site B; (trifluralin) Group 3: microtubule assembly inhibitor
Chemical family  (isoxaben) benzamide; (trifluralin) dinitroaniline
•  diquat (Reglone)
nonbearing only
Rate  0.375 to 0.5 lb ai/A (24 to 32 fl oz/A)
Time  Apply to completely cover rapidly growing weed foliage, to facilitate planting. Add a nonionic surfactant.
Action in plant  Acts as contact. Absorbs energy produced by photosynthesis; forms peroxides that disrupt living cells.
Site of action  Group 22: photosystem I electron diversion
Chemical family  Bipyridilium
•  fluazifop (Fusilade DX)
nonbearing crop only
Rate  Refer to specific grassy weeds on label 0.25 to 0.375 lb ai/A (16 to 24 oz/A Fusilade)
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 grass weeds and adjust rates, depending on susceptibility and stage of growth as label instructs. 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.
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  0.19 to 0.47 lb ai/A (1 to 2.5 pints/A Poast)
Time  Add 2 pints/A of a nonphytotoxic crop oil concentrate to improve leaf absorption.
Remarks  Identify susceptible grasses and apply at optimum growth stage listed on label. 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; quackgrass can be suppressed.
Caution  Preharvest interval is 50 days. Do not exceed 5 pints/A per season. 
Site of action  Group 1: acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor
Chemical family  Aryloxyphenoxy propionate
•  clethodim (Prism or Envoy)
nonbearing crop only
Rate  0.095 to 0.123 lb ai/A (13 to 17 fl oz/A Prism)
Time  Apply to actively growing grass weeds, including annual bluegrass, at growth stage listed on label.
Remarks  Read label carefully for adjuvant instructions and for information about effects of rain within 1 hr, applications of other pesticides, or cultivation. Do not apply to a vine that will bear fruit in 1 yr after Prism application.
Caution  Do not exceed 68 fl oz/A per season.
Site of action  Group 1: acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor
Chemical family  Aryloxyphenoxy propionate
•  oxyfluorfen (Goal 2XL)
Rate  1.25 to 1.5 lb ai/A (5 to 6 pints/A Goal 2XL) for preemergence control; as low as 2 pints/A for early postemergence control of susceptible species.
Time  Apply only to healthy vines.
Remarks  Direct the spray toward the base of vines, avoiding direct plant contact. Acts as contact, either directly on broadleaf weeds or at soil surface as weeds emerge. Controls broadleaf weeds pre- and postemergence depending on application rate and weed species.
Site of action  Group 14: protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor
Chemical family  Diphenylether
•  glyphosate (numerous product names)
Rate   0.47 to  4.5 lb ai/A (11 oz to 3.3 quarts/A Roundup Max)
Time  Apply to actively growing weeds either as site preparation or in nonbearing crops 1 yr before first harvest.
Remarks  Avoid contact with green crop foliage or suckers.
Caution  Do not exceed 12.8 lb ai/A per year. Follow all precautions on label. Repeated glyphosate applications have created resistant biotypes of ryegrass in Australian orchards. To avoid weed resistance, rotate and mix weed control practices.
Site of action  Group 9: inhibits EPSP synthase
Chemical family  None generally accepted
GRAPES—Established Plantings—Winter Applications that Persist in Soil
•  diuron (Karmex and several other products) 
Rate  1.6 to 3.2 lb ai/A (2 to 4.8 lb ai/A in Idaho)
Time  Apply in winter as single application, or apply half-doses in October and March.
Remarks  Reduce rate or rotate with other herbicides after effective weed control is achieved. Use in vineyards established at least 3 yr.
Caution  Do not apply on very sandy or gravelly soils. Can be rotated with simazine or other herbicides to reduce weed shifts. 
Site of action  Group 7: photosystem II inhibitor
Chemical family  Substituted urea
•  flumioxazin (Chateau)
Rate  0.188 to 0.38 lb ai/A (6 to 12 oz/A Chateau). Refer to organic matter, soil types, and rates listed on label for various broadleaf weeds.
Time  Pre- or postemergence. Preferred time is fall, to maximize the potential for rain to activate and set the herbicide. Tank-mix with approved herbicides if weeds are large or will keep Chateau from reaching the soil surface.
 Remarks  Residual or postemergence weed control can be achieved by adjusting rates or labeled tank-mixes (see label).
Caution  Do not apply to vines established less than 2 yr unless they are trellised at least 3 ft from the ground and protected by nonporous wraps, grow tubes, or waxed containers. Do not apply within 300 yd of bearing pears. Do not mow treated area after final harvest.
Site of action  Group 14: protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor
Chemical family  Diphenylether
•  pendimethalin (Prowl H2O)
Rate  3 to 6 lb ai/A (3.2 to 6.3 quarts/A)
Time  Apply any time after fall harvest, during winter dormancy, and in the spring before budbreak.
Remarks  Spray directly on ground beneath grape vines before weeds emerge. Overhead watering or rain is required (usually 0.5 inch is adequate) within 7 days for herbicide activation. Can also apply before transplanting vines by incorporating into the top 2 inches of soil or by applying to soil surface. Minimize contact of treated soil with the vine roots when transplanting.
Caution  Do not apply during or after bud swell in the spring. Do not apply over the tops of vines with leaves or open buds. Do not graze treated areas or apply more than 6.3 quarts/A per year. Preharvest interval is 90 days.
Site of action  Group 3: microtubule assembly inhibitor
Chemical family  Dinitroaniline
•  simazine (Princep)
Rate  2 to 4 lb ai/A (2 to 4 quarts/A Princep 4L) 
Time  Apply in winter as single application, or apply half-doses in October and March.
Remarks  Reduce rate or rotate with other herbicides after achieving weed control. Requires surface moisture for activation. Use in vineyards established at least 3 yr.
Caution  Do not apply on very sandy or gravelly soils. Can be rotated with diuron or other herbicides to reduce weed shifts. Do not use in vineyards established less than 3 yr, or crop injury may occur
Site of action  Group 7: photosystem II inhibitor
Chemical family  Substituted urea 
•  norflurazon (Solicam)
Rate  0.98 to 3.93 lb ai/A (1.25 to 5 lb/A Solicam) depending on soil type.
Time  Apply to weed-free soil in fall to early spring when soil surface is reasonably free of plant residue. Requires ample rain to activate.
Caution  Do not use on grapes established less than 2 yr in the field. Do not use on gravelly, sandy, or loamy sand soils.
Site of action  Group 12: bleaching; inhibits carotenoid biosynthesis
Chemical family  Pyridazinone
•  dichlobenil (Casoron CS and Casoron 4G)
Rate  1.96 to 3.92 lb ai/A (1.4 to 2.8 gal/A) Casoron CS; 4 to 6 lb ai/A (100 to 150 lb/A) Casoron 4G
Time  Apply midwinter immediately before a cold rain to reduce volatility and enhance weed suppression.
Remarks  Casoron CS: this formulation is a water-based liquid product with pure crystals of dichlobenil microencapsulated in a polymer  membrane. Use only around well-established plants transplanted more than 1 yr earlier. Casoron 4G: Weigh and distribute uniformly exact quantities over precisely measured areas to ensure accurate applications. Use in vineyards established at least 4 wk, preferably the winter after planting. 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.
Caution  Grazing livestock is prohibited.
Site of action  Group 20: inhibits cell wall synthesis Site A
Chemical family  Nitrile
•  napropamide (Devrinol)
Rate  4 lb ai/A (8 lb/A Devrinol 50DF)
Time  Apply 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 application. Irrigate within 24 hr to wet soil 2 to 4 inches deep if applied March through October. Shallow mechanical incorporation seems to enhance activity. Excessive plant residues on soil surface reduce performance.
Caution  Preharvest interval is 35 days. Inhibits root growth.
Site of action  Group 15: inhibits very long chain fatty acid synthesis
Chemical family  Acetamide
•  oryzalin (Surflan)
Rate  2 to 6 lb ai/A (2 to 6 quarts/A Surflan) depending on duration of weed control needed. Do not exceed 12 lb/A per year.
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 of water or rain to activate herbicide. Shallow cultivation can control newly germinated weeds without reducing herbicide activity. Allow 24 mo before planting vegetables after grapes. Inhibits mitosis, primarily in roots.
Site of action  Group 3: microtubule assembly inhibitor
Chemical family  Dinitroaniline
•  pronamide (Kerb)
Rate  1 to 4 lb ai/A (2 to 8 lb/A Kerb)
Time  Apply only once in fall or winter, preferably October to December when temperature is 55°F or below.
Remarks  Use lower rates on annual grasses and light soil textures; higher rates on perennial grasses such as quackgrass and fine textured soils. Requires moisture from rain or irrigation for activation. Use only on vineyards established at least 1 yr or to spring-planted grapes established at least 6 mo. Inhibits root growth.
Caution  A restricted-use pesticide.
Site of action  Group 3: microtubule assembly inhibitor
Chemical family  Benzamide
•  trifluralin (several products)
Rate  0.5 to 2 lb ai/A (1 to 4 pints/A Treflan)
Time  Apply and incorporate immediately by thoroughly mixing 1 to 2 inches deep, using equipment that will not injure roots.
Caution  Preharvest interval is 60 days. Inhibits mitosis in roots and shoots.
Site of action  Group 3: microtubule assembly inhibitor
Chemical family  Benzamide
breakhere  GRAPES—Established Plantings—Directed Applications in Grape Rows
•  glyphosate (numerous product names)
Rate  0.47 to  4.5 lb ai/A (11 oz to 3.3 quarts/A Roundup Max)
Time  Select application equipment to prevent crop injury by directing spray, or use selective applicators.
Remarks  Adjust concentration depending on equipment. See label for rate and time of application, especially for perennial weeds. Adding surfactant or mixing ammonium sulfate according to label may improve control of slightly stressed weeds.
Caution  Do not let drift or mist contact green foliage or bark, suckers, or vines and renewals less than 3 yr old. Preharvest interval is 14 days. If repeat applications are needed, do not exceed 10.6 lb ai/A in 1 yr. Repeated glyphosate applications have created resistant biotypes of ryegrass in Australian orchards. To avoid weed resistance, rotate and mix weed control practices. 
Site of action  Group 9: inhibits EPSP synthase
Chemical family  None generally accepted
•  glyphosate (several products)
Rate  0.47 to  4.5 lb ai/A (11 oz to 3.3 quarts/A Roundup Max) 
Time  Mix 1 gal product with 2 gal water and apply with a wick-wiper to weeds.
Remarks  Avoid 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
•  glufosinate ammonium (Rely)
Rate  0.031 to  0.75 lb ai/A; 4 oz (spot treatment) to 3 quarts/A (broadcast) Rely
Time  Apply to actively growing weeds as a directed spray or spot treatment according to weed growth stage.
Remarks  Avoid drift to or treatment of desirable foliage or green bark during establishment year.
Caution  Do not exceed 4.5 lb ai/A per 12-mo season. Do not graze or apply within 14 days of harvest.
Site of action  Group 10: glutamine synthase inhibitor
Chemical family  Phosphinic acid
•  2,4-D amine (Dri-clean Herbicide)
Rate  1.1 to 1.6 lb ai/A (18 to 27 oz/A Dri-clean) 
Time  Apply after shatter following bloom, before grape shoots reach the ground. Apply to vigorously growing weeds in bud to early bloom stage.
Remarks  Use a directed-shielded boom with low-pressure flooding nozzles to reduce possible drift and injury. Grapes are extremely sensitive to 2,4-D. Avoid all contact or drift to leaves, young shoots, and stems. Mimics natural plant hormones.
Caution  Do not apply to vineyards established less than 3 yr. Injury potential to grapes is high if applied outside the dormant season. 
Site of action  Group 4: synthetic auxin
Chemical family  Phenoxy acetic acid
•  paraquat (Gramoxone Inteon) 
Rate  0.625 to 1 lb ai/A (2.5 to 4 pints/A Gramoxone Inteon) 
Time  Apply as a directed-shielded spray toward base of vines when weeds are growing vigorously and new growth is 1 to 6 inches high.
Remarks  Add a nonionic surfactant or crop oil concentrate according to label; avoid anionic formulations that react in the tank to form insoluble precipitates. Avoid windy conditions. Acts as contact; absorbs energy produced by photosynthesis forming peroxides that disrupt living cells. Five applications allowed per year. Treat when suckers are less than 8 inches long.
Caution  A restricted-use pesticide. Do not ingest or inhale spray mist. Wear protective face shields, respirators, and clothing. Do not allow spray to contact green stem, fruit, or foliage.
Site of action  Group 22: photosystem I electron diversion
Chemical family  Bipyridilium
•  oxyfluorfen (Goal Tender and 2XL)
Rate  1.25 to 1.5 lb ai/A (5 to 6 pints/A Goal 2XL) for preemergence control; as low as 2 pints/A for early postemergence control of susceptible species.
Time  Apply after harvest but before bud swell in spring.
Remarks  Direct the spray toward the base of vines in late winter or spring, avoiding direct plant contact. Controls broadleaf weeds pre- and postemergence depending on time and rate of application and weed species. Can be tank-mixed with glufosinate (Rely) or paraquat (Gramoxone) or other preemergence herbicides such as napropamide (Devrinol), diuron (Karmex), or pronamide (Kerb) to improve residual weed control. Acts as contact, either directly on broadleaf weeds or at soil surface as weeds emerge.
Caution  Do not apply when fruit is present.
Site of action  Group 14: protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor
Chemical family  Diphenylether
•  flumioxazin (Chateau)
Rate  0.188 to 0.38 lb ai/A (6 to 12 oz/A Chateau). Refer to organic matter, soil types, and rates listed on label for various broadleaf weeds.
Time  Pre- or postemergence. Direct spray within vine row strip to weed foliage. In postemergence applications include 0.25% v/v nonionic surfactant and 1 quart/A crop oil concentrate. Tank-mix with approved herbicides to improve postemergent efficacy.
Remarks  Residual or postemergence weed control can be achieved by adjusting rates or labeled tank-mixes (see label).
Caution  Do not apply to vines established less than 2 yr unless they are trellised at least 3 ft from the ground and protected by nonporous wraps, grow tubes, or waxed containers. Allow at least 30 days between sequential applications. Preharvest interval is 60 days. Avoid direct or indirect spray contact with foliage or green bark. Do not apply within 300 yd of bearing pears. Do not mow treated area after final harvest.
Site of action  Group 14: protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor
Chemical family  Diphenylether
•  rimsulfuron (Matrix FNV)
Rate  0.063 lb ai/A (4 oz/A Matrix FNV per year)
Time  Applied before or shortly after weed emergence.
Remarks  Apply uniformly to the orchard floor or as a directed application at the base of the vine. Crops must be established 1 yr. Results are best if soil is moist at time of application and with 0.5 inch of rain or irrigation within 2 wk after application. Do not disturb the soil after application or weed control will be compromised. Two applications separated by 30 days are allowed if applied in bands that cover half of the vineyard. Preemergence control of puncturevine and quackgrass, and mallow and common dandelion from seed; suppression of yellow nutsedge; Preharvest interval is 14 days.
Caution  Avoid spray contact with foliage or fruit (except undesirable suckers) or drift onto adjacent crops. Clean spray tank carefully. Minimize contact with fruit or foliage. 
Site of action  Group 2: acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor
Chemical family  Sulfonylurea
•  sethoxydim (Poast)
Rate  0 .19 to 0.47 lb ai/A (1 to 2.5 pints/A Poast)
Time  Identify susceptible grasses and apply at optimum growth stage listed on the label.
Remarks  Add 2 pints/A of a nonphytotoxic crop oil concentrate to improve leaf absorption. Control often is erratic on grasses stunted or stressed by drought, high temperature, or low fertility. Resistant grasses include annual bluegrass and all fine fescues; quackgrass can be suppressed. Inhibits fatty acid production, cell membranes, and new growth.
Caution  Preharvest interval is 50 days. Do not exceed 5 pints/A per season.
Site of action  Group 1: acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor
Chemical family  Aryloxyphenoxy propionate
GRAPES—Sucker Control
•  oxyfluorfen (Galigan or Goal 2XL)
Rate  0.25 to 0.5 lb ai/A (1 to 2 pints/A Galigan or Goal 2XL)
Time  Apply as a directed ground spray to suckers growing from plant base up to 12 inches tall.
Remarks  Special local needs labels available for Galigan: OR-010027 and WA-010034. Apply to suckers less than 12 inches long. Immature, expanding leaves at time of contact are most susceptible. Complete sucker control requires removing canes by hand. The highest rate or a second application may be required for acceptable control or suppression of grape suckers. Not for use on table grapes. Can be tank-mixed with glufosinate (Rely) or paraquat (Gramoxone) to enhance sucker control.
Caution  Do not exceed 2 lb ai/A per season. Preharvest interval is 60 days. Can be applied to nondormant grapes up to 3 wk after bloom.
Site of action  Group 14: protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor
Chemical family  Diphenylether
breakhere