Distribution of Triclopyr and Picloram in Huisache (Acacia farnesiana)

Abstract

The triethylamine salt of triclopyr [(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl)oxy] acetic acid and the potassium salt of picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid) were applied as soil, foliar, and soil-plus-foliar treatments to greenhouse-grown huisache [Acacia farnesiana(L.) Willd.]. At 1.12 kg/ha, picloram was more effective (97 to 100% defoliation) than triclopyr (51 to 83%) in defoliating huisache. Triclopyr was more effective at 2.24 kg/ha than at 1.12 kg/ha in defoliating huisache, except when applied to the soil. Soil or soil-plus-foliar treatments of triclopyr at 2.24 kg/ha were not significantly different from those of picloram at 1.12 kg/ha 15 weeks after treatment. Triclopyr and picloram content was determined in and on leaves, stems, and roots at 0, 3, 10, and 30 days after treatment. More picloram than triclopyr was found in the leaves 30 days after treatment with foliar sprays at equal rates. Soil, foliar, and soil-plus-foliar treatments resulted in greater accumulation of picloram than triclopyr in stem tissue. Herbicide concentrations in roots were usually low. Reasons for the greater herbicidal activity of picloram than of triclopyr in huisache are not clear; however, the greater accumulation of picloram than of triclopyr in leaf and stem tissue may partially explain the difference in herbicide activity.