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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Crop Protection and Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #200604
Title: Herbicide dissipation from low density polyethylene mulch utilizing analytical techniques

Author
item GREY, T - UNIV. OF GA, TIFTON,GA
item CULPEPPER, A - UNIV. OF GA, TIFTON,GA
item Webster, Theodore

Submitted to: International Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/17/2006
Publication Date: 11/6/2006
Citation: Grey, T.L., Culpepper, A.S., Webster, T.M. 2006. Herbicide dissipation from low density polyethylene mulch utilizing analytical techniques [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual International Conference on Methyl Bromide Alternatives and Emissions Reductions, November 6-9, 2006, Orlando, FL. p. 8.1-8.2.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In Georgia, most of the low density polyethylene mulch (LDPM) is laid for spring vegetable production followed by a second crop in the autumn, with a potential third crop the following spring. Between these vegetable plantings, farmers often use contact and residual herbicides to control weeds that will hamper these second and third crops. A major issue confronted by producers is the crop phytotoxicity of the herbicide residues remaining on the LDPM. Transplanted vegetables into LDPM that have herbicide residues present can exhibit significant injury and even death. Growers need to be aware of the potential for herbicide residues to persist on mulch, even after rainfall/irrigation events. Field studies evaluated the persistence of five herbicides: glyphosate, paraquat, ethafluralin, carfentrazone, and flumioxazin on black LDMP compared under no-rainfall conditions and following irrigation events. Glyphosate and paraquat were both very water soluble and readily removed from the mulch with irrigation. Ethafluralin was rapidly dissipated with or without irrigation. Residues of carfentrazone and oxyfluorfen were persistent on the mulch, even with irrigation events. Results were inconsistent for flumioxazin. Herbicides will become an important component for weed control in the absence of methyl bromide and this will create potentially serious issues for crop tolerance and phytotoxicity.