STAFF \u2014 APRIL 28, 2017<\/p>\n

\nNo better source than the Horticultural Research Institute\u2019s Journal of Environmental Horticulture. Just released from the JEH:<\/p>\n

Weeds are arguably the most common pest problem in landscape management. Almost everyone can spot a weed, especially when it\u2019s chickweed sticking out like a sore thumb in a stand of dormant bermudagrass in March.<\/p>\n

Landscape managers face the challenge of scheduling a variety of activities and, as a consequence, can struggle to stay ahead of spring weed control. Often the first herbicide application is timed in conjunction with mulch laying, creating a labor bottleneck. One strategy to overcome this is to move herbicide applications from springtime to typically less-busy periods, such as late fall\/early winter or late winter. This leads landscape managers to ask: Do herbicides still work when applied in cool temperatures?<\/p>\n

Research on just this subject was recently reported in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture (JEH), the publication of the Horticultural Research Institute. JEH is the only peer-reviewed, scientific journal dedicated to the green industry and serves as the outlet for research pertinent to our industry.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn an already tight labor market, the importance of keeping up with the latest weed control research strategies regarding timing and efficacy of applications cannot be taken for granted by today\u2019s landscape manager. In my role, I am very interested in the effects of temperature on weed control strategies, so that I can spread the traditional seasonal workload across 12 months in an attempt to retain more personnel year-round while improving quality and reducing potential overtime costs,\u201d adds Joe Ketterer, Director of Quality and Efficiency with Ruppert Landscape.<\/p>\n

Weed scientists agree that air temperature impacts how well an herbicide works. When applied during cool temperatures, herbicides generally do not work as well as when applied during warm temperatures. This is due to a few factors.<\/p>\n

First of all, plants\u2019 growth and metabolism slow dramatically in cool weather, which lessens herbicide absorption and translocation within the plant. Secondly, certain physiological changes occur in plants in response to cool temperatures. For example, the wax layer coating plant leaves gets thicker, which limits herbicide penetration (and ultimately efficacy). The increased wax layer also creates a hydrophobic environment, which decreases an herbicide\u2019s leaf wetting capability.<\/p>\n

Herbicide formulation merits a mention in this discussion as well, because it may overcome some of the above-mentioned impediments. Ester formulations, as opposed to amines, are more soluble in the plant cuticle \u2013 which means it has a better chance of breaching a fortified wax layer \u2013 and are more easily absorbed by plants. Combining a contact herbicide (such as carfentrazone or sulfentrazone) with a systemic (such as 2,4-D or dicamba) is another tactic to increase weed control.<\/p>\n

Dr. Jeff Derr, Virginia Tech, conducted a series of experiments that accounted for these variables. He assessed the impact of temperature on herbicide efficacy against winter annuals (ivyleaf speedwell, henbit, common chickweed, and purple deadnettle) in turfgrass (both cool and warm season varieties). Contact and systemic herbicide activity was compared alone and in premix combinations, and both ester and amine formulations were included. The following products were tested:<\/p>\n

\n
• Surge (sulfentrazone + 2,4-D, amine + MCPP + dicamba)<\/li>\n
• QuickSilver (carfentrazone)<\/li>\n
• SpeedZone Southern (carfentrazone + 2,4-D, ester + MCPP + dicamba)<\/li>\n
• PowerZone (carfentrazone + MCPA, ester + MCPP + dicamba)<\/li>\n
• SpeedZone (carfentrazone + 2,4-D, ester + MCPP + dicamba)<\/li>\n
• Trimec Classic (2,4-D, amine + MCPP + dicamba)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  Study results prove valuable for landscape managers. \u201cControl of winter weeds is an important concern for lawn care companies, golf course superintendents, sports turf managers, and others maintaining landscape areas. A concern in winter is the impact of colder air temperatures on the effectiveness of herbicides used for controlling emerged broadleaf weeds. Unless weeds need to be controlled very quickly, landscape managers have a wider window of opportunity to spray post-emergence broadleaf herb-icides than previously thought,\u201d said Dr. Derr.<\/p>\n

  Using a combination of contact and systemic herbicides, whether a custom tank mix blend or a premix product, increases the chances of winter annual weed control. Products containing carfentrazone (a contact) premixed with a systemic herbicide(s) controlled weeds better than a systemic applied alone. However, premix products in this study contained ester formulations, which also could explain the enhanced performance.<\/p>\n

  Following with previous studies, Dr. Derr concluded that temperature did affect herbicide activity. Overall, herbicide applications made during warmer temperatures (65\u00b0 F) injured weeds faster than when made during cooler temperatures (45\u00b0 F). However, within three weeks after application, weed control was the same, regardless of whether applications were made during warm or cool temperatures.<\/p>\n

  If a landscape manager opts to prioritize speed of weed control, according to their customers\u2019 preference, then herbicide applications should be made in warmer weather conditions. On the other hand, if time management is a higher priority, herbicides can be applied during cooler weather, when more labor may be available. Selecting ester formulations and combining a contact with systemic(s) products may ensure greater success during cooler temperature applications.<\/p>\n

  For more information: 2016. Derr, J. and T. Serensits. Impact of application temperature on broadleaf herbicide efficacy. Journal of Environmental Horticulture. 34(4):123-130<\/small><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  STAFF \u2014 APRIL 28, 2017 No better source than the Horticultural Research Institute\u2019s Journal of Environmental Horticulture. Just released from the JEH: Weeds are arguably the most common pest problem in landscape management. Almost everyone can spot a weed, especially when it\u2019s chickweed sticking out like a sore thumb in a stand of dormant bermudagrass […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-171","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-nursery"],"yoast_head":"\n