Herbicide Effectiveness, Soil Residues, and Phytotoxicity to Peach Trees

Abstract

Dichlobenil (2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile), 3-tert-butyl-5-chloro-6-methyluracil (terbacil), and 3-tert-butyl-5-bromo-6-methyluracil (hereinafter referred to as DP-733) were applied annually for 3 years as soil surface or incorporated treatments for weed control in young peach (Prunus persica(L.) Batsch., var. Redhaven) trees. Average monthly ratings showed significant increases in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon(L.) Pers.) control with incorporation of all three herbicides. Treetrunk diameters in incorporated dichlobenil plots were greater than those in surface-applied dichlobenil plots. Incorporation in the soil reduced loss of dichlobenil, terbacil, and DP-733. The herbicides did not accumulate in the 0 to 15-cm soil layer. Low concentrations were detected in the 30 to 60-cm soil depth 1 year after the third annual application of 6.72 kg/ha of dichlobenil and 4.48 kg/ha of DP-733. Terbacil was not present in detectable amounts at 30 to 60 cm but was present in the 15 to 30-cm layer of 4.48 kg/ha plots.