-4- 



spider was found. When spider bites occur, the spider responsible should be captured 

 if possible and sent to Dr. Unzicker for identification. 



WEEDS 



FORAGE CROPS 



Musk thistle is a biennial one that is now increasing in many areas of Illinois. April 

 is the ideal time to control musk thistle, while the weed is still in the rosette stage 

 and before the seed stalk forms. Usually, control is best when the plant is growing 

 actively and temperatures are above 75° F. 



For spot treatment, add 1 quart of 2,4-D ester (4 pounds per gallon) and 1 cup of 

 household detergent per 25 gallons of water. Spray until moist. For larger infesta- 

 tions, use 1 to 1-1/2 quarts of 2,4-D ester in 20 or more gallons of water per acre. 



SMALL GRAINS 



Check small grains now to determine the need for chemical weed control. Used early, 

 2,4-D will control broadleaved weeds such as wild mustard. 



If there is a legume underseeding , apply 1/2 quart per acre of 2,4-D amine (4 pounds 

 per gallon of the formulation) . Never use 2,4-D ester with a legume underseeding 

 unless you want to control wild garlic or wild onion, and then expect some kill of 

 the legume. 



To control wild garlic and wild onion, use 1/2 quart per acre of 2,4-D ester . This 

 will not completely control the weeds, but will reduce aerial bulblet formation and 

 lessen the possibility of harvest- time dockage for "garlicky" wheat. 



Banvel (dicamba) can also be used for controlling smartweed or wild buckwheat in wheat 

 and oats, but it is weak on wild mustard. Don't use Banvel on small grain sown with a 

 legume underseeding . Use 1/4 quart per acre when spring grains are in the 3- to 5- leaf 

 stage. Use on winter wheat before it reaches the joint stage. 



Treat small grains with 2,4-D after it has finished tillering in the spring but before 

 it reaches the boot stage. That is about 4 to 12 inches in height. 



Read the label and follow all precautions. 



CORN AND SOYBEANS 



Incorporating the herbicide early is important, since most annual weed seeds germinate 

 in the top 2 inches of soil. Most herbicides of moderate solubility move into the 

 weed-seed zone with normal rainfall. The primary purpose of herbicide incorporation 

 is to prevent surface loss of volatile herbicides and to move the herbicides of low 

 solubility down into the soil. 



The tandem disk is the most-common tool used for herbicide incorporation. The disk 

 should be operated at a depth of about 4 inches for best results. Using greater depths 

 may cause excessive dilution of the herbicide. In general, field cultivators are not 

 satisfactory for herbicide incorporation. The Treflan label does include the use of 

 the mulch treader this year. 



