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.
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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,
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--
Bob Batson


"Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines"