The influence of additives on the penetration of foliar applied growth regulator herbicides

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Abstract
The possibilities are demonstrated of increasing the activity of foliar applied growth regulator herbicides by mixing them with chemicals which injure the cuticle or epidermis.S, S, S‐Tributyl phosphorotrithioate (“DEF”) increases the effects of picloram, 2,4,5‐T and mecoprop salts on four woody species, privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium Hassk.), poplar (× Populus gelrica Ait.), bluegum (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) and guava (Psidium guajava L.). Mixtures with esters of the herbicides are not synergistic and often antagonistic.DEF, tributyl phosphorotrithioite, a number of alkyl and aryl phosphates and phosphites and potassium ethyl xanthate enhance the phytotoxicity of picloram solution on dwarf bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Mixtures of picloram with tributyl phosphorotrithioite, tributyl phosphate, mixed acid butyl phosphates, trimethyl phosphate and mixed isomers of tritolyl phosphate are synergistic when applied to guava foliage. Tributyl phosphate and mixed acid butyl phosphates interact similarly with picloram on privet and tributyl phosphate increases the effects of foliar applied mecoprop salt on guava.The mode of action of the additives is not fully understood but there is evidence that DEF facilitates the entry of water soluble growth regulator herbicides into leaves and has little effect on the rate at which the herbicides move through the plant.Tributyl phosphate and mixed acid butyl phosphates are suggested for practical use in herbicide formulations to control woody plants, as they are relatively cheap and non‐toxic.