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PARAQUAT NOW lABELED FOR NON -BEARING FRUIT TREES 



William J. Lord 

 Department of Plant and Soil Sciences 



Paraquat is a liquid-formulation herbicide which kills both broad- 

 leaved and grassy weeds on contact. The chemical is translocated to 

 some extent within both grass and broadleaf weeds but becomes inactive 

 on contact with the soil . In other words, soil residue is not a prob- 

 lem with this material. 



Paraquat acts as a chemical mower burning succulent stems and 



foliage of the weeds with which it comes in contact. The effect of 

 this burning action can be noted within several hours after application. 



For best results, use 3 quarts of paraquat per sprayed acre in 100 

 gallons of water. When used with a recommended spreader, the amount of 

 paraquat per acre may be reduced to 2 quarts. Apply paraquat in May 

 when grass is 8-10" high. A repeat application will be necessary for 

 season-long control, however. In following years, one annual applica- 

 tion of paraquat may be sufficient. 



Paraquat may be used under trees the year they are planted. This 

 herbicide also would be useful if temporary burning to the ground cover 

 were desired; for example, when conditions of drought exist. 



Paraquat may be used with diuron or simazine. These mixtures will 

 provide quick "knock-down" of weeds as well as a residue in the surface 

 soil which may keep the treated area relatively free of weeds during 

 the growing season. 



Below are the recommendations as they will appear on the paraquat 

 (ORTHO Paraquat) label. (Dealers presently hold some supplies of para- 

 quat that do not bear this recommendation on the label.) 



" NON -BEARING (Young Plantings) FRUIT CROPS AND WINDBREAK, SHADE 

 AND ORNAMENTAL TREES: For control of annual broadleaf weeds and grasses 

 and for top kill of perennial weeds and grasses in the interspaces and 

 around the base of non-bearing (young plantings) fruit trees and vines 

 such as Apples, Apricots, Citrus, Poaches and Grapes and other trees 

 such as Arborvitae, Ash, Elm, Fir, Oak and Pine - Use 1.0 to 2.0 quarts 

 of ORTHO Paraquat per sprayed acre in 50 to 200 gallons of water. Apply 

 as a directed spray to thoroughly cover weeds and grasses. Add wetting 

 agent, such as ORTHO X-77 Spreader, at 8 ounces per 100 gallons of spray. 

 For best results apply when the weeds and grasses are succulent and 

 growth is one to six inches high. Repeat applications as necessary to 

 control newly germinated weeds and grasses and to control regrowth of 

 perennials. CAUTION - Spray contact of succulent stems and foliage may 

 result in injury from spot burning, desiccation and/or defoliation. Use 

 coarse spray and avoid applications during windy conditions to avoid 

 drift." 



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