Efficacy of natural herbicides on dandelion (Taraxacum officinale G.H. Weber ex Wiggers) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) populations

Abstract

Perennial broadleaves such as dandelion (Taraxacum officinale G.H. Weber ex Wiggers) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) are known to be pervasive weeds in stands of maintained turfgrasses. The use of synthetic herbicides is the most common and effective method of control for these weeds. As pesticide use in European countries, Canada, and the United States is becoming more scrutinized, identification of alternative weed control options may be necessary. However, few organic or natural weed control products exist. A field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of various fertilizers and organic and bio-herbicides including chelated iron, ammonium nanonate, citrus oil, acetic acid, and sodium chloride on dandelion and white clover control as compared to that of two synthetic herbicides containing 2,4dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid (2,4-D), mecoprop-p (MCPP), and dicamba. Injury to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was also evaluated with the objective of determining which products effectively suppressed weed populations while imposing minimal injury to desirable turfgrasses. Chelated iron was effective in controlling dandelion and white clover populations equal to that of both synthetic herbicides with minimal injury to turfgrass. Other organic and bio-herbicide treatments provided some control of both weed populations but generally were too injurious to the turfgrass. Fertility treatments and citrus oil did not reduce populations of either weed. This research indicates that some natural products currently on the market may serve as effective alternatives to synthetic herbicides. This information will be beneficial to homeowners and turfgrass managers controlling weed populations in geographic areas with restricted pesticide use or where control with organic products is desired. INTRODUCTIONWeed populations in maintained turfgrass systems can negatively affect turfgrass health and landscape aesthetics

Exploring Natural Alternatives for Annual Bluegrass Control

“…Certain products also caused short-term (1 to 2 weeks) undesirable turf phytotoxicity. Other research has found similar, non-chemical products have caused injury to desired turf as well [8,11]. Similar visual burndown is often observed after applying non-selective herbicides such as glyphosate, diquat, or glufosinate [3].…”

The effect of two-year application of pelargonic acid on the growth of Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. and Sonchus arvensis L

“…In light of PA's potential as a bio-herbicide and its ability to contribute to the reduction of synthetic herbicides, researchers have been exploring its efficacy, and have shown that PA is the most successful bio-herbicide available (Webber et al, 2014a;Carroll et al, 2022;Muñoz et al, 2022;Pannacci et al, 2022). However, its effectiveness varies between weed species (Webber et al, 2014a;Webber et al, 2014b).…”

Wood vinegar for control of broadleaf weeds in dormant turfgrass

“…dates back to the 1910s (Hansen 1918). Other acids, such as acetic, pelargonic, and sulfuric, have demonstrated efficacy for weed control (Aslander 1927;Carroll et al 2020;Crafts 1933Crafts , 1960. Crafts (1960) reported that sulfuric acid can serve as a selective herbicide to kill broadleaf weeds in cereal crops.…”

“…The author noted that the use of 5% and 20% acetic acid for weed control would cost an estimated US$1,107 and US$4,426 per hectare, respectively. Recently, Carroll et al (2020) reported that horticultural vinegar containing 30% acetic acid applied at 374 L ha −1 controlled white clover and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale G.H. Weber ex Wiggers) in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) turf, but it also injured the turfgrass.…”