Comparing the cost and effectiveness of conventional
herbicides vs. alternative methods Randy Prostak
UMass Extension Weed SpecialistSUASCO CISMAMarch 13, 2012
Natural or Organic Products
Products contain:- acetic acid - citric acid- clove oil - orange extract
Claim often made “RU alternative”Overall performance - provides foliar burn only - weeds must be young - better on broadleaf than grasses - good spray coverage = inc. $ - many repeat apps. on perennials
Natural or Organic Products
- orange extractRTU - $ 8.95 for 24ozconcentrate - $60 for 1 gallon
- mix spray preparation 19, 25 or 50% v/v- spray output - greater than 50 gal/A
dense perennial weeds > 150 gal/A
Advertisement states “Test shows that new herbicide containing vinegar will control Canada thistle”
Original research looked at seedling Canada thistle - the seedlings of perennial weeds can be controlled as if they were annuals.
20% or 200 grain acetic acid
- 35 fluid oz. ready-to-use - $12.95
- One gallon ready-to-use - $24.95 + shipping
- Four one gallon jugs - $75.00 - free shipping
- Eight one gallon jugs - $150.00 - free shipping
Might be 200 or more gallons per acre.
Might be useful on annual and biennial invasive plants such as:
Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineummile-a-minute weed Persicaria perfoliatagarlic mustard Alliaria petiolata
Might be useful on annual and biennial invasive plants such as:
Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineummile-a-minute weed Persicaria perfoliatagarlic mustard Alliaria petiolata
Could be effective on perennial invasive plants with repeat
applications that would implement carbohydrate starvation.
Reward (diquat) - contact type - best on annuals, perennials weak- very quick acting
a
Scythe (pelargonic acid) - contact type- great as sucker remover
Finale (glufosinate) - not strongly translocated- annuals, perennials?? - less injury with drift, perennials weak
Roundup Pro, Prosecutor, Touchdown PRO (glyphosate or sulfosate) - strongly translocated - caution to prevent “collateral damage” from drift- beware of thin bark trees- all formulations are NOT the same
Comparing Non-selective Products
AQUAMASTER:$82 for 2.5 gal container
$32.80 per gallon$8.20 per quart
ACCORD:$156.99 for 2.5 gal container
$62.80 per gallon$15.70 per quart
1 quarts/acre = $8.20 to $15.702 quarts/acre = $16.40 to $31.40
glyphosate
Disturbance can be problematic!!
Do your best to prevent the disturbance of soil and leaf-litter layer!
Herbicides might be a better option in some situations or attempts can be made to cover the disturbed area.