Effectiveness of Various Dosages of Allyl Alcohol with DD as a Pre-emergent Weedkiller in Tobacco Seedbeds

Abstract

The data reported here indicate that allyl alcohol and DD controlled weeds efficiently on tobacco seedbeds, reducing weeding costs considerably. As no differences were observed when 1, 2, or 3 gallons of the chemical were compared, it can be concluded that a dosage of 1 gallon diluted in 50 gallons of water is as efficient when used as pre-emergent weedkiller as the heavier dosages. Neither the dosages nor the intervals at which to sow the seed after fumigation affected seed germination. No difference in the amount of transplantable seedlings was obtained when seed were sown at 5-, 10-, and 15-day intervals. Hence seed can be sown 5 days after chemical application without risk of affecting germination under normal weather conditions. The use of allyl alcohol with DD is not only efficient as a pre-emergent weedkiller, but is also harmless to germination if seed are sown at least 5 days after application. At the same time seedlings produced on treated plots were healthy and vigorous since they grew free from harmful effects of weed competition and disease and nematode damage. Vigorous seedlings free from diseases and nematodes could increase yields per acre, while using infected material may spread and infect tobacco fields.