THE REACTION OF WHEAT TO 2,4-D ETHYL ESTER APPLIED IN DIFFERENT DILUENTS

Summary. In experiments at two sites in Western Australia, 2,4-D ethyl ester was applied to Gabo wheat at the early tillering, advanced tillering and boot stages. A standard dose of 6 oz/ac a.e. was sprayed in diesel oil (4 pints/ac), water (4 pints/ac) and water (8 gal/ac), and half of each plot received a double application, to give twice the dose and twice the volume. The weed populations were negligible and differences obtained were attributable to the direct effects of the treatments on the wheat.
The most satisfactory treatment was 6 oz/ac applied in 8 gal/ac water at the early tillering stage. Contrary to previous evidence, application at the advanced tillering stage resulted in yield reduction, and it is supposed that the reaction of the wheat was affected by insufficient soil moisture during the later stages of growth. Application in 4 pints/ac water gave lower yields than application in 8 gal/ac, while with 4 pints/ac oil, yields were rather less than with 4 pints/ac water. Although there were some statistically significant effects on the germination and unit weight of the grain, these were not considered to be of practical importance.
Réaction du bléà l'ester éthylique du 2,4-D appliqué dans divers diluants