Water Quality Effects on Stability and Phytotoxicity of Picloram and Clopyralid

Abstract

Water quality effects on stability of picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid) and clopyralid (3,6-dichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid) were evaluated by determining their concentrations in spray mixtures 0, 48, and 168 hours after mixing. Gas chromatography was used to evaluate picloram and clopyralid concentrations in spray solutions mixed with different water sources or buffered water solutions. At 168 hours picloram concentrations in water from La Copita and Midland, Texas, were 11 and 12% lower than at 0-hour and 5 and 6% lower than picloram concentrations in distilled water at 168 hours. Water quality effects on phytotoxicity to honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) were evaluated at 0 and 168 hours after mixing the spray solution. Water quality had no effect on clopyralid phytotoxicity to honey mesquite at either 0 or 168 hours after mixing. Phytotoxicity to honey mesquite was reduced 42% when picloram mixtures were used 168 hours after mixing with water from La Copita. This indicates the potential for reduced phytotoxicity from picloram when prepared spray solutions are not used for 7 days.