WEED ERADICATION

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31658, 19 April 1968, Page 6

WEED ERADICATION

Now is a good time to rid waste areas, earth paths and shingle strip* and driveways of weeds. The material to use is a triple action, nonselectlve total weedkiller, based on simazine, a germination Inhibitor, dalapon, a specific grass killer, and amitrole, which not only controls a wide range of broad-leafed weeds, but also increase* the effectiveness of dalapon. S.D.A., aa It can be referred to for brevity, generally has a residual life of six to 12 months, depending on prevailing conditions. Although it is not a hormone and Its constituents have virtually no sideways movement in the Soil, its use requires care and it should be restricted to such places as waste areas, around buildings, gates and on footpaths. Drift on to desirable plants can cause whitening of the foliage, especially the tips, but unless dosage has been heavy the damage is only temporary. Although the combination of. amitrole and dalapon are leaf-absorbed and translocated throughout the plant, thus achieving superior result* to contact-type weedkillers such as sodium chlorate, they are not in themselves sufficient to deal with any brush weeds or certain problematic broadleafed ones. Where such herbage as • blackberry or gorse, convolvulus or dock exist in the area to be treated materials such a* 2.4.5. T low volatile and weedone 57 low volatile respectively should be included. Plant* making active growth and well-germinated seedlings are the most susceptible to treatment and this

occurs in autumn and spring, autumn being a particularly good time to deal with perennial grass-dominated areas. Other prerequisites to successful application are fine weather and moist soil. The latter is certainly not lacking just now. Rate of application IS one ounce per gallon of water to which should be added a spreader. The importance of a Spreader should hot be overlooked as it enhances the effectiveness of the weedkiller by giving greater adherence and absorption. Partly fill the spray unit, thoroughly mix up the required amount of material with water, add to the aprayer, top up and finally add a few drops of spreader. Apply carefully, and thoroughly wash the dispenser on completion of the job.