Response of Woody Species to 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, and Picloram as a Function of Treatment Method

Abstract

Naturally-established individual specimens of 12 woody plant species occurring in North Carolina were treated with foliar, dormant stem, and basal applications of the propylene glycol butyl ether ester formulation of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), the propylene glycol butyl ether ester of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and the potassium salt of 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (picloram). The triethanolamine salt of 2,4,5-T also was applied as a foliar treatment. Three rates of each herbicide were used. Responses measured were percent control of original shoots, percent regrowth, shoot height, and number of live stems per plant. No differences were observed between the amine and ester formulations of 2,4,5-T applied as foliar sprays except on rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum L.) where the ester produced 86% control compared to 28% for the amine salt. Foliar sprays of picloram were effective in controlling all species except white ash (Fraxinus americana L.), sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.), sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana L.), and rhododendron. Control of these species averaged only 45% compared to 96% on all other species studied. No species was effectively controlled by dormant stem or basal applications of picloram. All species considered, the propylene glycol butyl ether ester of 2,4,5-T applied as a dormant stem or basal application provided the most consistent results, giving 89% and 91% control, respectively.