Effect of Treating Soil and Seeds with 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid on Germination and Development of Seedlings

Abstract

The normal germination of many seeds can be affected by treatment in low conens. of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Many seeds are affected when planted in mineral or muck soil previously treated with 2,4-D. Concs, as low as 1 ppm. in the soil affect the germination and growth of many seeds. The residual effect of 2,4-D was tested and found to be active in the muck for only a few weeks. A method is thus available for destroying weed seeds present in soil, leaving the soil unusable for only a relatively short period of time, the length depending upon soil temp. and moisture conditions. Following which the soil may be planted to economic crops.