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FYI:
Commercial Acid-Based Herbicide
In the August 2002 HortIdeas (page 85), and again in the November 2002 HortIdeas (page 121), we reported on research showing that vinegar (dilute acetic acid) is a promising broadspectrum herbicide. Now a company in Minnesota has begun marketing an herbicide with citric acid (5%) listed as its active ingredient. AllDown Green Chemistry Herbicide® also contains some acetic acid (percentage not specified), as well as 0.2% garlic and yucca extract (a surfactant to enhance wetting of foliage). According to the distributor (SummerSet Products, Inc., 4817 Normandale Highlands Dr., Bloomington, MN 55437, phone 952-820-0363, web site http://www.sumrset.com), the herbicide nonselectively ³burns down² weed and grass foliage without harming earthworms or beneficial bacteria and fungi, leaving no harmful soil residues. Wilting of treated plants will begin within an hour of spraying. ³Effective control² of the following plants has been observed in tests: common lambsquarters, giant foxtail, smooth pigweed, plantain, henbit, velvetleaf, Canada thistle, mouse-ear chickweed, common burdock, bindweed, common sheep sorrel, dandelion, common ragweed, and poison ivy. AllDown Green Chemistry Herbicide(R) is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in certified organic production. Below are excerpts from the product specifications sheet for AllDown Green Chemistry Herbicide(R): Description: AllDown is a new Green Chemistry, non-selective weed and grass herbicide that is a breakthrough in environmentally responsible vegetation management. AllDown is made of a special blend of synergistic components containing no harsh chemicals that will burn-down unwanted top growth foliage. Within less than an hour you will notice wilting of plants caused by desiccation. In some cases a repeat application may be required to [control] perennial weeds. Uses: - In vegetable gardens and flowerbeds - Along fence lines and foundations - Around trees and shrubs - On patios, driveways, and sidewalks ... Application Instructions: - Apply only to areas that you want to knockdown. - Apply when skies are mostly sunny and no rainfall is predicted within eight hours of application. - Apply when the air is calm and temperatures are between 65° and 85°F. - For spot treating: Apply to target vegetation at a rate sufficient to saturate the leaves to a point where droplets begin to appear. - Do not allow spray to contact desirable foliage. When spot treating, use a shield of plastic or cardboard around desirable plants. If sprayed on desirable plants, rinse off with water immediately. The herbicide¹s Material Safety Data Sheet warns: ³Dilute solution may cause dermatitis [skin irritation] in some sensitive individuals. May cause irritation if skin or eye contact occurs. May irritate skin, mouth, esophagus, or stomach. Inhalation of mist may cause minor respiratory irritation.... Dispose of in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Material is biodegradable in waste treatment facility.... Wash hands and garments thoroughly after use. Keep out of the reach of children.² One 32-ounce ready-to-use spray-trigger bottle of AllDown Green Chemistry Herbicide(R) costs $14.95 plus shipping; a 2.5- gallon bottle costs $47.50. You can order online at the web site given above. AllDown Green Chemistry Herbicide(R) indeed appears to be a ³breakthrough² in organic weed control. A major problem with do-it-yourself vinegar herbicide sprays is that the acetic acid concentration of vinegar sold in supermarkets is too low for good control of some weeds (and higher concentrations of acetic acid, available from industrial supply houses, are dangerous to handle). Yet, judging from the information on the SummerSet web site, a relatively safe concentration of citric acid (combined with some acetic acid) seems adequate to control a wide range of common weeds. So it makes sense to go with the commercial product. Also, by using AllDown Green Chemistry Herbicide® according to label directions, you will be in full compliance with pesticide regulations. Nevertheless, since AllDown Green Chemistry Herbicide is a quite new product, its effectiveness and limitations remain to be fully explored. If you try it, we would greatly appreciate all data you can provide on its ability to control particular weeds. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Reprinted with permission from the March 2003 _HortIdeas_. Copyright 2003 by Greg and Pat Williams. HORTIDEAS (ISSN 0742-8219) is published monthly by Gregory and Patricia Y. Williams, 750 Black Lick Road, Gravel Switch, KY 40328 U.S.A. Annual subscription rates: U.S., $25.00 periodicals or $27.00 first class; Canada and Mexico, $32.00; Overseas, $30.00 surface mail or $42.00 air mail. Single issues: North America, $2.50 each; Overseas, $3.00 each, surface mail, or $4.00 each, air mail. The email address for HORTIDEAS is: . _HortIdeas_ is now on the world wide web at http://www.users.mis.net/~gwill/hi-index.htm -- Bob Batson "Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines" |
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