Response of Concord Grapes (Vitis labrusca) to 2,4-D in Irrigation Water

Abstract

In field studies 0.1 ppmw ae or less 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] applied by sprinklers in 5.1 cm of water over 8 h did not affect the number or dry weight of leaves or length of canes of 1-yr-old Concord grape plants (Vitis labruscaL.). A second application at 0.01 ppmw or higher to the same plants 1 yr later reduced growth of leaves, canes, and trunk. Combined effects of root pruning (required to position plants for treatment the second year) and 2,4-D probably account for this apparent anomaly. When 2,4-D was applied annually at 1.0 ppmw or less to established plants for three consecutive years, growth, yield, and fruit quality were not affected. No residues of 2,4-D were detected in the fruit at harvest (detection limit 0.05 ppmw). Grapes treated with 1.0 ppmw 2,4-D developed moderate injury symptoms.