Response of Tropical Vegetation to Herbicides

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Abstract
Several herbicides and herbicide combinations were investigated for desiccation, defoliation, and killing of tropical vegetation near Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Hydroxydimethylarsine oxide (cacodylic acid) was one of the more effective defoliants on guava (Psidium guajavaL.) within 2 weeks after treatment. However, several herbicide combinations including contact: growth-regulator types were more effective 1 month after spraying. Six months after treatment, herbicides containing (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-acetic acid (2,4-D), (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4,5-T), or 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (picloram) were superior to contact herbicides in controlling regrowth. In a mixed tropical forest, most rapid desiccation and defoliation of vegetation was produced by 6,7-dihydrodipyrido (1,2-a:2′,1′c) pyrazinediium salt (diquat) within 2 weeks after treatment. At 1 month after treatment and longer, the 1:1 mixture of the butyl ester of 2,4-D:2,4,5-T and a 2:2:1 mixture of the isooctyl esters of 2,4-D:2,4,5-T:picloram were superior to other herbicides.