Wood vinegar for control of broadleaf weeds in dormant turfgrass

Abstract

Wood vinegar, a product of pyrolysis, can induce phytotoxicity on plants when applied at an adequate rate and concentration. The objective of this research was to investigate wood vinegar obtained from the pyrolysis of apple tree branches for weed control in dormant zoysiagrass. In environment-controlled growth chambers, white clover visual injury and shoot mass reduction compared to the nontreated control were evaluated after wood vinegar application at 1000, 2000, or 4000 L ha-1 under 10 or 30 C temperature conditions. Averaged across rates, wood vinegar rapidly desiccated white clover and caused 83 and 71% visual injury at 10 and 30 C, respectively, at 1 d after treatment (DAT). Averaged across temperatures, wood vinegar at 1000, 2000, and 4000 L ha-1 reduced white clover shoot mass by 56, 81, and 98% from the nontreated control at 10 DAT, respectively. In field experiments, weed control increased as wood vinegar rates increased from 1000 to 5000 L ha-1 in dormant zoysiagrass. The effective application dose of wood vinegar required to provide 90% control (ED90) of annual fleabane, Persian speedwell, and white clover was determined to be 2450, 2300, and 4020 L ha-1, respectively, at 2 weeks after treatment. Turf quality did not differ among the wood vinegar treatments and the nontreated control when zoysiagrass completely recovered from dormancy. Overall, results illustrate that wood vinegar resulting from the pyrolysis of apple tree branches can be used as a nonselective herbicide in dormant turfgrass, offering a new non-synthetic herbicide option for weed control in managed turf.

Exploring the Potential of Wood Vinegar: Chemical Composition and Biological Effects on Crops and Pests

“…Considering the pronounced phytotoxicity observed with undiluted wood vinegar, recent studies have explored its potential use as a herbicide [38,39]. For instance, wood vinegar derived from the pyrolysis of apple branches has demonstrated efficacy as a nonselective herbicide in dormant turfs and for general weed control [39,40]. These findings suggest a promising new application of wood vinegar as an effective herbicide, particularly when applied to bare soil before seeding.…”

Effects of Wood Distillate on Seedling Emergence and First-Stage Growth in Five Threatened Arable Plants

“…in dormant turfgrasses of Zoysia japonica Steud. [42]. Conversely, studies on the effects of WD on non-target plants developing among crops are missing in literature.…”

Semi‐supervised learning methods for weed detection in turf

“…2 Nonetheless, weeds may impede turfgrass growth by competing for nutrients, sunlight and water, potentially compromising turf aesthetics and functionality and presenting a challenge for turf management. [3][4][5] Applying synthetic pre-emergence and post-emergence (POST) herbicides is a common practice for turf weed management, along with mechanical (mowing) and biological control measures. 5 However, POST herbicides are typically broadcast-sprayed, even where weeds are not present, 6,7 leading to excessive herbicide use that pollutes the environment.…”

“…Turf has many benefits, including evaporative cooling in urban regions, soil remediation, airborne pollutant absorption, and increased aesthetic value in residential and non‐residential areas 2 . Nonetheless, weeds may impede turfgrass growth by competing for nutrients, sunlight and water, potentially compromising turf aesthetics and functionality and presenting a challenge for turf management 3–5 …”