Vol. 15—1961 - NorthEastern Weed Science Society

254.
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ASTUDYot THEEFFECTSOF V.BRlOUSRA1ES
AN»FOf.MULATIONS OFCHLOl\.DANE01 _
-s, STANDSOF TUkFGN\SS1 "
Paul,M. Giordano tWdC•. R. Skogley2 . "
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Th~ purpose of" this investigation was to study the effects of chlordane
on.several,basic tuffgrasses.' Test$ were'conducted in the'field and under more
controlled,conditions"todetermineand' evaluate the phYtotoxic manifestations
of the'material
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when
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applied at rather high rates and in various 'formulations.
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A field experiment initiJl~ed in the fall of"1958 indicated marked differenceS
iri'percent'st~d"of the grasses treated at:herbicidal rates with several
chlordane formulations (t"ablel). 'Also, it was noted that sPecies difference
was an important factor when treating turf seedbeds with hightatesof active
material.
'
A second field study was conducted in the spring of 1960. Similar procedures
, materials and rat~s were employ~d' as iilthe 'fall study. Although the
results appeared to parallel" those of the earlier study turf establiShment was
more rapid' in' the spring (Table t). . ,',." . . -.
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Soil samples were- taken frOm treated turf p:lQts of the faU study and
analyzed ~or toxicant residue (T~ble 3). hesuIts indicated 'a correlation between
the- rate of release or' 'availabilitY of·ehlordaneand the nature of the
chlordane formulation. A certain amount of species susceptibility was also
noted.
Direct action of chlordane upon germinating seeds was studied by the use
of petri dish~s,fittedwith pre-treated filter paper. A series of progressive
concentrations'were employed and a critical level-noted beyond which little, if
any, normal germination or growth occurred. There was initial germination but
the rudimentary root soon discolored" withered and died. The resulting seedlings
remained'stuntedanddied after exhaustion of stored food, Within the seed.
This investigation has demonstrated that seedbed applications of chlordane
can result in decreased turf stand when administered at herbicidal rates. '
Therefo:,e carefuleonsideratic)Q must be given to the grasses planted and the
formulation applied when treating Seedbeds for crabgrass controL ' ­
ACKiiO\vI,EroNENT
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Appreciation is extended to Lr. George K. Schumaker and the Velsicol Chemical
Corpor~tion for their aid and assistance in this investigation.
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IContrihu.tt.o,n ~o. :1;013. lU\ode IslaJ}d J\gricultu:r:alExper~nt Station. ,
2Former Graduate Assis tantiu .Ag~onoDiyand ·ABsocla'te Agronomist 'respectively.
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