Abstract
Loss in yield of cereal crops from competition with annual weeds is more serious than is generally realized, and gains of more than 50 per cent can often be expected as a result of correct spraying with a selective weed killer. Advisory Leaflet No. 315, Weed Control in Cereals, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, gives much useful information on the subject. Up to the present, sulphuric acid has proved to be the most effective chemical for the purpose, as it kills a wide range of weeds and is quick acting even in dull weather. Its highly corrosive properties, however, make it difficult to handle; so copper chloride and dinitro-ortho-cresol (D.N.O.C.) are suggested as alternatives. Directions for the use of all three substances are given, and comparison made between the concentrations of spray required in each case for the eradication of a number of common weeds. As regards time of spraying, rather more latitude is possible with copper chloride and dinitro-ortho-cresol than with sulphuric acid, which kills weeds only in the seedling stage, but usually the acid has a slight advantage if the weather is cold and dull. Full instructions are given in the use of these spray materials, and any precautions necessary for the protection of the operator or care of equipment clearly mentioned.
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Control of Weeds by Spraying. Nature 156, 330–331 (1945). https://doi.org/10.1038/156330d0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/156330d0