Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1953-05-03

Weeds are a problem in every
garden. The lawn, flower bed
and the vegetable garden each
have their share. When chem
ical weed-killers were first pub
liciZed everyone thought they
meant an end to the onerous
chore of wedding. However, there
are no weed-killers that may be
applied to a mixed planting of
flowers or vegetables that will
bless the cultivated crops and
kill the unWanted weeds. The
parade of new weed-killerS,
HerbicideS-and there are
number of them now on the
market as we'll as scores under
going tests-have not yet at
tanned that goal.
The first of the modern weed
killers, 2,4-D, is still the most
widely used. There are three
forms of 2,4-D-the ester, anime,
and the sodium. The ester has
the most "wallop." but it is also
the most volatile. Because of
the greater toxicity of the ester
form to weeds. we all want to use
it, but the fumes from the ester
form will kill many kinds Of
plants close by, and in a slight
breeze will kill especially sus-
ceptible plants at a considerable
distance. Grapes are especially
susceptible to 2,4-D.
If susceptible plants cannot be
protected from possible spray
drift. it is safer to rely on the
hoe to keep the weeds under
control.
The 2,4-D has sister, 2,4.5-T,
which is commonly referred to as
brush killer. 1t is the preferred
material for use on poison ivy,
blackberries, and other woody
plant materials. The two are
often sold in combination, but
some reports have indicated that
the mixture is less effective on
oOIAC hllluS VI WccuS.
Sugar Makes 1t Stick.
Both 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T may be
made more effective by adding a
couple of tablespoonful of a de-
tergent to the gallon of solution.
Sugar may be added to increase
the adherence where glossy
foliage is a problem.
These materials, 2,4-D and
PAST. are most effective when
applied on a warm day when
the foliage temperatures are
above 10. and when the plants
are young and in active growth.
The ester form of 2,4-D is read
lily absorbed and rain seldom re-
duceS its effectiveness, but the
other two should be on the foil
age for 5 or 6 hours in order
to be effective.
Animate ammonium sulfa-
mate) is a useful killer. partic-
ularly of poison ivy. However.
ANIMATE is a sterilizer and will
prevent plant growth in a treat
ed soil for a period of time, de-
pending upon the amount of
Wetting of the soil. If applied
to the foliage. ANIMATE does not
affect the use of the soil for
other crops.
Pre-Emergence Killers.
A third group of herbicides is
generally referred to as the pre-
emergence weed killers. Actual
ly, 2,4-D may be so used, but
IPC, pep. Dinitro and Crag
Herbicide No. l are the ones re-
ceiving the most attention. These
materials are spread over the
soil immediately after seeding
and will kill the weeds and grass
as they terminate. The proper
selection of a pre-emergence ma
terial Is essential or the cult
waited crop may be injured.
Most of these materials are in
effective when applied to a weed
that has reached an inch or two
in height. Careful measurement
of chemical is essential to get
the right quantity on the soil
without injurying the crop.
Crag Herbicide No. l has
shown excellent qualities for the