PARENT SESSION
Poster Session #40: Urban Ecology.
Thursday, August 9, 2001. Presentation from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM. Exhibition Hall
100
Alternatives to the use of 2,4-dimethylamine as a herbicide in public areas.
Hishaw, Jillian1, Kieren, Elizabeth2, Ottman, Ken2, 1 2
ABSTRACT- Proper fertilization, irrigation and mowing are all contributing factors to broadleaf weed control but the use of herbicides is usually the most effective alternative. Unfortunately some herbicides such as those containing 2,4-Dimethylamine (2,4-D) (Fermenta, Lescopar, Trimec, and Lesco-3way) pose detrimental health risk to humans and other organisms. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin alternatives to 2,4-D herbicides are currently being tested in order to find more environmentally safe chemicals. A field trial was conducted using five non 2,4-D alternatives (3-Way Ester, Coolpower, Eliminate, Encore, and Confront) in two locations. Five 3 m x 3 m plots were laid out in a public park infested with chickweed and dandelions, and in a boulevard area infested with knotweed. Each plot was sprayed one time with one of the alternative herbicides. Percent of weeds killed was estimated to the nearest 10% from photographs made before and two weeks after treatment. Coolpower was the most effective, killing 90% of the knotweed, and 60% - 70% of the chickweed and dandelions. Further observations are being conducted in order to observe the longevity effect of each product.
KEY WORDS: herbicide, dandelion, chickweed, knotweed