Willow aphids are dark red or dark brown, and can be found in clusters on the twigs 

 of weeping willow and other willow species. Malathion provides excellent control. 



WEEDS 



-. 



DESICCANTS FOR DRYING WEEDS IN SOYBEANS AND SORGHUM 



A defoliant, or desiccant, is occasionally needed on soybeans before harvest , 

 primarily when the growth of weeds has been excessive and the crops are near 

 maturity. If a desiccant is used on soybeans before they are nearly mature, the 

 yield and quality will be reduced. The extent of this reduction is directly re- 

 lated to the stage of maturity. 



Desiccants will not make weeds disappear. The coarse, stiff stems of weeds such as 

 jimsonweed, velvetleaf , and cocklebur will remain- -as well as the wiry stems of 

 grasses such as foxtail. However, a desiccant can dry the weeds, and may make har- 

 vesting easier and reduce dockage. 



By the time soybeans are mature, the weeds have already taken their toll. Also, the 

 desiccant is not likely to reduce the viability of weed seeds that are already ma- 

 ture. 



Paraquat is registered as a "harvest aid" for drying weeds in soybeans . It may be 

 applied when beans are fully developed when at least half of the leaves have dropped 

 and the remaining leaves are turning yellow. If applied before beans are fully de- 

 veloped, yield reductions can result. 



The recommended rate is 1/2 to 1 pint per acre on a broadcast basis. Use the higher 

 rate on cocklebur. Use the suggested rate in 20 to 40 gallons of spray per acre for 

 ground application, or in 2 to 5 gallons per acre for aerial application. Add 1 quart 

 of a non- ionic surfactant (X-77 or a similar surfactant) per 100 gallons of spray. 

 Do not pasture livestock within fifteen days of treatment, and remove livestock from 

 treated fields at least thirty days before slaughter. 



The total cost of the paraquat and surfactant plus application will probably be 

 about $3 to $6 per acre. 



Dinoseb ("dinitro" or DNBP) , diquat, and endothall have been cleared for use on soy- 

 beans raised for seed, but not for soybeans to be harvested for food, feed, or oil 

 purposes . 



Now is a good time to remind folks to place primary emphasis on early weed control 

 practices next year. 



No desiccants are registered for use on grain sorghum . 



CONTROL ALGAE IN WATER TANKS 



Occasional use of copper sulfate can control algae in livestock water tanks . A con- 

 venient way to obtain the recommended dilution (1/2 p. p.m.) is to dissolve 1 ounce of 

 copper sulfate in a pint of water in a glass jar or enamel pan. Do not use galva- 

 nized containers, because the copper sulfate will react with zinc in the galvanizing. 

 Determine the amount of water in the tank, and add three tablespoons of the solution 

 for each 1,000 gallons of water. Mix thoroughly. Keep livestock away from the treated 

 tank for at least twelve hours. The water may then be discarded or used for watering 

 livestock if necessary. 



