Effect of Incorporation Methods and Carrier Type of Endothal (TD-66) on Control of Weeds in Sugar beets

Abstract

Chemical control of weeds in sugar beets, particularly those weeds in the adjacent three to four inches of the row, has received considerable attention the last few years. However, the final results are not always easily predicted at the time the chemica ls are applied. Part of this variabi lity probably is due to the in­ corporation method and the type of carrier used for the herbicide. It is the purpose of this paper to report results of research on the above factors. Studies of the mixing characteristics of various incorporation devices in 1960 (3)3 indicated that the rototiller mixed the gran­ ular carrier the most uniformly into the soil. The finger weeder gave fairly uniform lateral distribution with a higher concentra­ tion of carrier near the surface of the ground than at the bottom of the operating depth of the fingers . The distribution pattern of the rotary hoe showed heavier concentrations of carrier near the surface than at operating depth and in the vicinity of penetration of the tooth. The Sinner weeder (Figure 4), which consists of a row-crop ditcher shovel 6 inches in width with a spray nozzle or a gTanular distributor and covering blades mounted behind, caused the carrier to be concentrated on a strip 6 inches wide at the operating depth of the shovel (1 to J Y2 inches). This strip is then covered with soil by the covering blades. The no-incorporation-front method resulted in some incorporation of the carrier by the furrow opener, the covering chains, and the press wheel. The carrier is applied in a band behind the press wheel for the no-incorporatiun-rear method.