Effects of some weed control methods on seedling growth and nursery costs at Antalya and E？irdir forest nurseries

In this work, the effects of herbicides and solarization on weeds at Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) and Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) seedling beds were observed, their effects on seedling emergences and growths were measured and they were assessed in terms of nursery costs. The studies were realized at E？irdir and Antalya Forest Nurseries. The applications were carried out with three different herbicides including different active substances and solarization. Cost analysis of these applications were done by comparing them with the costs of mechanical treatments. Although herbicides generally affected the occurrence and coverage of weeds but the results were negative in terms of seedling emergences and growths of Taurus cedar and Turkish red pine seedlings. Solarization did not affect the coverage of weeds significantly whereas an increase at seedling emergence and growth was determined. In terms of cost analysis, it was seen that herbicide applications decrease the nursery costs. For a general assessment, to reduce the nursery costs, herbicide applications would be more economic than mechanical applications but at this stage it would not be possible to suggest any herbicide due to their negative effects on seedling survival and growth. At this context, researches with licensed herbicides should be increased to see their positive effects on seedling emergence and growth