Use of atrazine in conifer plantations: final report on a one year field study

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1974

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The Ohio State University

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Atrazine (2-chloro-4, ethyl amino-6 isopropyl-amino-1,3,5 s-triazine) was studied over a one year period to determine its effectiveness in conifer plantation applications. On two sites having different soil textures, five conifer species were sprayed at one of four times during the growing season, using rates of 2, 4, or 6 lb of active herbicide per acre. Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) sprayed at June 2 showed defoliation and possible death of the terminal shoots at all rates; possible reductions in vigor were also observed on blue spruce {Picea pungens) sprayed at June 2 with 6 lb/A, and on Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) sprayed at April 25 with 6 lb/A. Other species-time combinations showed no apparent damage from atrazine appiioations. April 25 and June 2 applications were judged to be equal in effectiveness in controlling weed competition; later applications were much less effective during the initial growing season. For the April and June treatments, increased control was achieved by increasing application rates from 0 to 2 and 2 to 4 lb/A; 4 and 6 lb/A applications did not differ in effectiveness. Based on these results, it appears that atrazine can be used relatively safely and effectively in young conifer plantations, if care is exercised to avoid direct contact with growing shoots.

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