Vol. 15—1961 - NorthEastern Weed Science Society

5.
FACTORSINFLUEUCINGTHE PERFORFANCE OF GRANULAR HERBICIDES
R. D. Sweet
Deparlment of Vegetable Crops, Cornell University, It aca, N. Y.
In the last year or two numerous investigators have st died dry granular
carriers for herbicides. Previous to this only a few had s riously investigated
their possibilities.
Amongstfa;rmers J the interest in granulars stems prim 'ly from their
dislike for hauling water or for running the sprayer to som location away
fran the field in order to refill. The water problem is ac te even in
regions where water is relatively plentiful.
Of considerable concern to weed 'Workers is the perform ce of granular
formulations as compared to that of the conventional formul tions. Research
to date on performance is wholly inadequate to permit many onclusions or
generali;a.tions. Some of the factors influeneing performan e are as follows:
1. The chemical itself has an important bearing on re lts. Certain
compounds such as EFTCalmost always give better results on a granule. On
the other hand Atrazine at lower rates performs better as a wettable powder.
CDD::may perform better or worse on a granule depending on actors at
present unknown .J,
2. The nature of the carrier may play an important ro
is known regarding the several types of carriers, particle
on the carrier, best methodo£' formulating, etc.
e, but little
ize, percentage
3. The influence of environment and soil on granular
canpared to conventional formulation, is sufficiently well
4. Even distribution of the herbicide at the desired ate is as neces­
sary with granulars as with liquids. Presently available e uipment does not
lend ;itself to ea5Y, accurate application. However, equipm nt manuf'acturers
are aware of the needs, and presumably in the near f'uture 11 have machines
a:vai.lable to do the job well ..