Applying Herbicides Prior to Extreme Cold Weather for Buttercup Control Demonstration
Extension Education
Kevin Lawson
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Conway
Abstract
Winter weeds are a common problem in Faulkner County warm season pastures and hay fields every year. Winter weeds can grow very rapidly during the dormant season of the warm season grasses causing issues when green up starts in the early spring. There are many common winter weeds but the one most asked about by Faulkner County producers is buttercup. This weed starts out as a small plant but by spring the common yellow flower is seen all over the county. Some producers will spray in the fall, but most of the applications go out in the late winter months of February, March, and April. Sometimes warm spells in January and February get producers out and ready to spray but these days are usually followed by more cold days. This demonstration was established to evaluate the effectiveness of buttercup herbicides when applied during warm days when cold weather is predicted to follow. If the herbicides are ineffective after extreme cold temperatures this will save producers money to save that application until after the temperatures warm up again. But on the other side, if producers have an opportunity to apply a herbicide they need to take advantage of it because you never know when you will get another chance with Arkansas weather. It is important to know the results of this demonstration. The three most used herbicides by producers in Faulkner County for buttercup were chosen for this demonstration. Treatments included using each individual herbicide and then one treatment with a combination of all three. The results showed that good weed control can be achieved by early herbicide applications even if extreme cold weather occurs soon after application. Glyphosate and Patriot gave 80% control, and the combination of all herbicides gave 100% control of buttercups. 2,4-D at a pint only gave 50% control. The lack of control from 2,4-D could have been attributed to cold weather, but it also could have been from only using a pint of product. A better test with different rates is needed to make that determination.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Kevin Lawson
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Lawson, K. County Extension Agent - Agriculture, U of A Division of Ag, Arkansas, 72034-5225