Use of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid as a Selective Herbicide in the Tropics

Abstract

2,4-D was found to be a useful herbicide for tropical crops in Puerto Rico. Its most beneficial use is in sugar cane culture, and it is also useful in coffee plantations. Weeds are divided into 4 classes in regard to their sensitivity to 2,4-D. This herbicide penetrates inside the plant and without leaf-burning destroys the growing regions within a few wks. In practice, 2,4-D is sprayed on the surface of weeds. By use of a test based on the high sensitivity of radish seedlings to 2,4-D, this compd. was found in soils up to 3 wks. after 0.15% solns. were sprayed on the soil at the rate of 300 gals, per acre, and up to 5 wks. with a 0.3% soln.