Did you learn this as a result of this thread or did you already know?
Tree Damage From Crop Spraying
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I've always in the past referred to chemicals that kill insects as pesticide, chemicals that kill weeds as herbicides, and chemicals that kill critter pests as poison. Always thought of "pests" as critters that are mobile.
Now I know that "pesticide" covers all of the above.
what kind of "bugs"?
insects are killed by insecticides
mites are killed by miticides.
Pesticides is a broad category. It includes insecticides (there are even subcategories....some times the larvae are the target and we use larvicides, or will go after the eggs with ovicides), miticides, herbicides kill plants, rodenticides kill rodents, fungicides, bactericides, algicides, etc...
Never too old to learn, I always say. My mimosa trees are really struggling this yr but I know from living here for 27 yrs that they will come back stronger than ever. The late freeze we had in March did a number on them, but there's a lot of new growth on the tree right now. I hope my peach tree has some fruit, but it's not looking good at this point.
I've got a few questions for the experts I've not been able to find the answers to...
How long does the growth regulator chemical stay in the plant/tree?
How long does it stay in the soil?
Is it safe to eat the produce (formed after spraying) from plants that have been affected by herbicide, specifically 2-4-D and Dicamba?
I've not been able to find anything about how long the chemical affects the plant after spraying. I've read where some enter via leaves, others absorbed through the roots, and how they affect the plant, and how long they last in soil - but nothing about how long the chemicals stay inside the plant.
Does anyone know??
This is basically how they are described:
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/dicamba_gen.html
http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/24Dgen.html
For how long does this uncontrolled tissue growth continue??
The produce question has to do with the things I planted in my garden spot.
I bought beautiful squash, zucchini, cucumber, and tomato plants at Lowes and planted them in containers, containing a mix of bagged top soil and vegetable garden soil on April 15.
I also planted my birdhouse gourd seeds that day, in containers.
We had a frost warning for that weekend and I covered them with newspaper and they were fine since it didn't get below 35F.
Spraying of 2-4-D was done on April 21-22 in the fields closest to my property
Spraying for Dicamba was done on April 29 in the next adjoining fields, about 1/4 mile away to the north and south.
Plants were doing well at first then began to show yellowing and ruffled leaves.
The DoA inspector came out on May 18.
I asked him about and showed him the veggie plants. He said he thought it was a soil or water issue and not herbicide - said they were in a "protected" area (between the end of the house and the carport).
Since then I moved them out of containers and into the backyard next to the pond, working some multi-use sand, more veggie garden soil, and the soil from the containers into the area, digging a hole down to the clay ground.
On May 22, I put the little fence around the garden spot and the plants were looking like they survived the transplant, but still had ruffled and yellowing leaves - they were coming out green, but then turned as they grew...just like the leaves on my trees.
The tomato plants each had two nice firm tomatoes, about the size of golf balls before I transplanted them, but I removed them after... to help the plant focus on roots.
I've been watering them with the sprinkler for a bout an hour in the mornings, unless it rains, hoping to "wash out" whatever's bothering them.
IF they bounce back and produce, is it safe to eat???
How long does the chemical stay in the plant and is it transferred to the fruit??
Next question:
My gourd seeds were planted about two weeks Before the spraying, and hadn't come up yet.
WHY are the leaves on my gourd plants looking exactly like the leaves on my trees if the spray never came in direct contact with the leaves??
Is it in the soil and gets on the emerging plants??
Anyway, here are some visuals of yet another years pitiful attempt to have a garden
Transplanted garden, day one
Same garden, 06/03/22 The plant below is bottom right in the above photo
Two cucumber plants that were left in containers
Gourd sprouts, in containers
How long does the growth regulator chemical stay in the plant/tree?
How long does it stay in the soil?
Is it safe to eat the produce (formed after spraying) from plants that have been affected by herbicide, specifically 2-4-D and Dicamba?
I've not been able to find anything about how long the chemical affects the plant after spraying. I've read where some enter via leaves, others absorbed through the roots, and how they affect the plant, and how long they last in soil - but nothing about how long the chemicals stay inside the plant.
Does anyone know??
This is basically how they are described:
How does dicamba work?
Dicamba is similar to the herbicide 2,4-D. Both act like natural plant hormones known as auxins. These hormones help to control plant growth. When plants are treated with dicamba, they grow in abnormal and uncontrollable ways, and often, the plants die. Dicamba is used on many broadleaf weeds and woody plants.http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/dicamba_gen.html
How does 2,4-D work?
2,4-D kills broadleaf weeds but not most grasses. 2,4-D kills plants by causing the cells in the tissues that carry water and nutrients to divide and grow without stopping. Herbicides that act this way are called auxin-type herbicides.http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/24Dgen.html
For how long does this uncontrolled tissue growth continue??
The produce question has to do with the things I planted in my garden spot.
I bought beautiful squash, zucchini, cucumber, and tomato plants at Lowes and planted them in containers, containing a mix of bagged top soil and vegetable garden soil on April 15.
I also planted my birdhouse gourd seeds that day, in containers.
We had a frost warning for that weekend and I covered them with newspaper and they were fine since it didn't get below 35F.
Spraying of 2-4-D was done on April 21-22 in the fields closest to my property
Spraying for Dicamba was done on April 29 in the next adjoining fields, about 1/4 mile away to the north and south.
Plants were doing well at first then began to show yellowing and ruffled leaves.
The DoA inspector came out on May 18.
I asked him about and showed him the veggie plants. He said he thought it was a soil or water issue and not herbicide - said they were in a "protected" area (between the end of the house and the carport).
Since then I moved them out of containers and into the backyard next to the pond, working some multi-use sand, more veggie garden soil, and the soil from the containers into the area, digging a hole down to the clay ground.
On May 22, I put the little fence around the garden spot and the plants were looking like they survived the transplant, but still had ruffled and yellowing leaves - they were coming out green, but then turned as they grew...just like the leaves on my trees.
The tomato plants each had two nice firm tomatoes, about the size of golf balls before I transplanted them, but I removed them after... to help the plant focus on roots.
I've been watering them with the sprinkler for a bout an hour in the mornings, unless it rains, hoping to "wash out" whatever's bothering them.
IF they bounce back and produce, is it safe to eat???
How long does the chemical stay in the plant and is it transferred to the fruit??
Next question:
My gourd seeds were planted about two weeks Before the spraying, and hadn't come up yet.
WHY are the leaves on my gourd plants looking exactly like the leaves on my trees if the spray never came in direct contact with the leaves??
Is it in the soil and gets on the emerging plants??
Anyway, here are some visuals of yet another years pitiful attempt to have a garden
Transplanted garden, day one
Same garden, 06/03/22 The plant below is bottom right in the above photo
Two cucumber plants that were left in containers
Gourd sprouts, in containers
Dave1960_Gorge
ArboristSite Operative
My first impression is herbicide as well. Also look for deformed new leaves and growth; that would clinch the cause as a systemic herbicide; non-systemic ones just kill existing foliage that it touches, and can mimic severe heat stress. Were the curling/browning leaves mainly just on the west or south sides? If yes, could be heat stress; if the damage was all around the trees, could be herbicide and/or drought stress. Definitely send in a sample. Heat and drought stress should have produced similar symptoms away from the spraying area (if also hot and dry); did that occur in the same time frame?
I have seen triclopyr+2, 4 D damage (Crossbow -- a systemic). Consultant in a case done intentionally by one neighbor to another's trees. Not pretty. Took several weeks to months, but eventually, maples, oaks, beech, dogwood, incense cedar, and deodar cedar all were dead or nearly so; some up to 3 ft. in diameter.
Someone dumped concentrated herbicide in diesel at the base of the trees. Didn't get caught even though he left size 12 boot prints burned in the lawn -- tracked some of his "mix" across it when he left. Samples had to be tested twice by the lab -- they said concentrations were so high they had to go through some dilutions for the analytic equipment to work! So the perp must have dumped the concentrate in a bucket with some diesel (which you could smell) and went to "work".
If caught, could have been charged with operating without a license, misuse of pesticides, lack of records, trespass, and felonious property damage (around $50k). My theory was that a minor property line dispute a year or two earlier caused a grudge to develop, and then poisoning happened. Also pointed to the same neighbor because his view was improved. Sold the home and moved soon after. Local cops really didn't investigate much; don't know if they even talked to the suspect. Hey, just a bunch of trees...
In your case, likely was glyphosate, a common ag herbicide.
Dave1960_Gorge
ArboristSite Operative
Ok, now it has been identified as dicamba and 2, 4 D. Both are systemics and can be taken up by leaves, thin bark, and roots. I would have the inspector return and look at your trees again, as well as the veggies. Ask him if he looked at the application records (should have); the mix, application rate, and weather notes should be there. The form of herbicide can affect drift, in that some forms are more volatile (esters, for ex.). The label might caution against using it at certain temperatures, with any wind, or near sensitive non-target plants.
The mix also may have been done in error (too strong, combined with something else, etc.); those possibilities may or may not show up in records. Human error could be unknown because the cook book recipe for the application was recorded but not what was actually done. Questions that should not arise, but could have, and were ignored: Did I dump in 1, 2 1/2 gal. jug or 2 in the tank? Or, was that bulk carboy labeled correctly that I decanted from? Did I get the dilution right?. Just apply it...whatever...
I am an applicator myself (ornamental trees). I scratch out a site specific recipe based on the trees and my notes on the product, read the label again (manufacturers sometimes change concentrations, or one could be confused about which formulation was purchased, so it pays to check each container!), and mix on site, being very careful to record exactly what I mixed and applied. I actually don't apply herbicides.
The mix also may have been done in error (too strong, combined with something else, etc.); those possibilities may or may not show up in records. Human error could be unknown because the cook book recipe for the application was recorded but not what was actually done. Questions that should not arise, but could have, and were ignored: Did I dump in 1, 2 1/2 gal. jug or 2 in the tank? Or, was that bulk carboy labeled correctly that I decanted from? Did I get the dilution right?. Just apply it...whatever...
I am an applicator myself (ornamental trees). I scratch out a site specific recipe based on the trees and my notes on the product, read the label again (manufacturers sometimes change concentrations, or one could be confused about which formulation was purchased, so it pays to check each container!), and mix on site, being very careful to record exactly what I mixed and applied. I actually don't apply herbicides.
Dave1960_Gorge
ArboristSite Operative
BTW, herbicide residues in crops would be quite low, and likely below a concentration that would be a concern to your health. But I would look into it for yourself to address concerns. My samples that were extremely "hot" were from soil that had concentrate poured into it or nearby. Foliage/twigs had residue, but much less.
Inspector is coming back out next week. He's waiting for sample results from the lab.
Dave1960_Gorge
ArboristSite Operative
Sounds like progress. Hope you get your questions answered.
If "herbicide residues in crops would be quite low," then why is the new growth continually affected weeks after initial contact?
Just emailed the inspector with the new photos and some questions (same I asked here)
This is the question no one is answering.
And, if the reaction of the growth regulating herbicide acts on a continual basis at the cellular level, and not just surface contact damage, is this auxin damage passed on genetically in seed?
I can't attest to state right of ways, just our local municipality. State vs local right aways can vastly differ in width. For instance our largest roads had 10ft lanes, 22 foot right of way, centered off the middle of the road. Gave a 1 foot per side "right of way" still not township property, we still had to ask permission to preform any work. Ie when we would pull gutters notices were sent out and after the gutters were done, we would go back and seed grass or crown vetch. The mowing was specifically sighted as a road way hazard, not the townships responsibility, but over the years it was just accepted that the township would take care of it. With a small township like the one I worked for it was burdensome with the amount of road work that needed done. The state had the money and man power to do such chores. It took at least 2 guys of the 6 in the crew to keep the banks and right of ways mowed. Different perspectives I guess. Road repair and maintenance up here in the north is a 365 day thing. Our freeze and thaw cycles decimate the roads. Mowing grass isn't and shouldn't be the local municipalities responsibility and didn't used to be years ago. Larger crews require higher taxes to fund, and no one wants that. You see the balancing act that needs done. Would you rather have nicer roads or have the township mow your grass? Pretty much what it comes down to in my opinion.Here ya go
"Description. This work shall consist of mowing of the rights-of-way for vegetation control in accordance with the Plans, Specifications and as directed by the Engineer. A mowing cycle shall be one complete mowing of the areas along state highways and interstates designated within this contract and shall be completed within twenty (20) working days that are suitable for mowing. "
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tdot/construction/special-provisions/Const-806.pdf
In fact, now that I think of it, one year the mowers scalped the grass and dug a rut in the yard, just above the bank.
I complained to the engineer and he sent someone out to level it. They even tossed some grass seed and a little straw on top.
No problem, not really off-topic. This is the most useful document I've seen lately and I wouldn't have found it if you hadn't mentioned the right-of-ways.
I will note I didn't think this way till I was the one in the equipment with the supervisors breathing down my (crews) neck why we were mowing and not fixing the roads. Vicious cycle. One of the reason I went back to the private sector. I report to one boss, not everyone in the township that thinks I (we) should be doing something other then what we're doing. Gets old quick.
I understand.
We have good roads... in fact, when I see them working on a section of road I ask "Why? Did they have a surplus of funds they didn't want to lose the coming year?"
I heard that some time ago - they are allotted X amount of dollars for a year and if they don't use it all, the amount is adjusted down for the next year. Kind of puts a crimp on being efficient, doesn't it?
So, the money goes to mowing.
I remembered, you have to know what you're looking for before you can find it on google anymore
..."Growth-regulator herbicides can act at multiple sites in a plant to disrupt hormone balance and protein synthesis and thereby cause a variety of plant growth abnormalities.
Growth-regulator herbicides control broadleaf weeds, and most will injure sugarbeet. Herbicides in this group can move in the xylem and phloem to areas of new plant growth. As a result, many herbicides in this group are effective on perennial and annual broadleaf weeds.
Herbicide uptake primarily is through the foliage, but root uptake also may occur.
Auxin transport inhibitors, such as diflufenzopyr, inhibit the movement of auxinic compounds from meristematic (actively growing) cells. Thus, when combined with an auxin herbicide such as dicamba, the herbicide moves into these cells but cannot move out, resulting in greater concentrations of the auxininic herbicide within meristematic regions."
https://extension.umn.edu/herbicide...t-injury-symptoms/growth-regulator-herbicides
"Leaflet cupping injury that occurred in younger soybean leaflets still undergoing cell division at the entire leaflet margin when directly exposed to dicamba. Keep in mind, however, that the translocation of dicamba from directly exposed leaflets to very young leaf primordia developing at new nodes at the main stem apex will also induce leaf cupping in those yet to emerge leaflets, even though these very young leaflet primordia were not directly exposed to dicamba. The same can be true for new trifoliolates occurring from additional stem branching at lower nodes."
https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2018/understanding-growth-regulator-herbicide-injury
"In order for a successful weed elimination and control strategy to be effective, all of the above conditions must be met. Most of the herbicides, as described in this chapter, interact and interfere with the metabolic machinery and other biochemical pathways of weeds and cause irreversible damage, tissue injury, leading to the eventual death and elimination of the weeds...
Upon contact, they act by getting absorbed and translocated into the xylem or the phloem of the weeds, by inhibiting or disrupting the metabolic machinery or other biosynthetic pathways, and by injuring or killing the weeds...
Plants are intact systems that consist of organs, tissues, cells, and molecules, which are reservoirs of organized biochemical processes that take place uninterrupted. Herbicides may be absorbed by the plants via the roots (soil-based herbicides) or the shoots (spray-based herbicides) [38]. The metabolic activity requires the movement of sap through the xylem (translocation of water and nutrients) and phloem (translocation of sugars) [39,40]. When the herbicides penetrate the cell walls of the weeds, they cause tissue injury and permeate the sap, in the process, interrupting various biochemical pathways. Upon interaction with the herbicides, weeds are killed by the dysfunction of their biochemical processes."
https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/49524
Upon contact, they act by getting absorbed and translocated into the xylem or the phloem of the weeds, by inhibiting or disrupting the metabolic machinery or other biosynthetic pathways, and by injuring or killing the weeds...
Plants are intact systems that consist of organs, tissues, cells, and molecules, which are reservoirs of organized biochemical processes that take place uninterrupted. Herbicides may be absorbed by the plants via the roots (soil-based herbicides) or the shoots (spray-based herbicides) [38]. The metabolic activity requires the movement of sap through the xylem (translocation of water and nutrients) and phloem (translocation of sugars) [39,40]. When the herbicides penetrate the cell walls of the weeds, they cause tissue injury and permeate the sap, in the process, interrupting various biochemical pathways. Upon interaction with the herbicides, weeds are killed by the dysfunction of their biochemical processes."
3.4. Group 4: Plant growth regulators
Also known as synthetic auxins, this group includes hormone-based herbicides and is used to keep broadleaf weeds out during the cultivation of corn, wheat, and sorghum. The mode of action of the endogenous indole acetic acid (IAA) is mimicked by the herbicides belonging to the chemical family represented by benzoic acid, phenoxycarboxylic acid, pyridine carboxylic acid, and quinoline carboxylic acid [98]. The specific molecular binding site responsible for the IAA activation is yet to be established and remains unknown. All of these chemicals disrupt the nucleic acid metabolism and the cell-wall integrity by activating the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)ase proton pump, which increases the enzyme activity in the cell wall [99]. These regulators mimic the IAA activity, thus increasing the transcription, translation, and the protein biosynthesis activities within the cell leading to uninhibited vascular growth, causing cell bursts and ultimate cell and plant death.https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/49524
"Picloram, clopyralid, and aminopyralid can remain active in hay, grass clippings, piles of manure, and compost for an unusually long time. These herbicides eventually break down through exposure to sunlight, soil microbes, heat, and moisture. Depending on the situation, the herbicides can be deactivated in as few as 30 days, but some field reports indicate that complete deactivation and breakdown can take several years. Hay has been reported to have residual herbicide activity after three years’ storage in dry, dark barns. Degradation is particularly slow in piles of manure and compost. When mulches, manures, or composts with residual herbicide activity are applied to fields or gardens to raise certain vegetables, flowers, or other broadleaf crops, potentially devastating damage can occur"
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/herbicide-carryover
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/herbicide-carryover
"Exposure of these very young leaflets to dicamba will generate a more severe form of the classic dicamba-induced cupping injury, in which the leaflet margins will be tightly rolled inward (Figure 3). In some cases, strongly cupped young leaflets also may exhibit a bullate leaf surface ― a botanical term describing the presence of rounded or globular bumps on the upper leaf surface."
THIS??
THIS??
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