Tuesday, November 14, 2006
172-5

A New Dithiopyr Formulation for Preemergence Weed Control in Turf.

Darin Lickfeldt, Dan Loughner, Mike Melichar, Randy Smith, Anita Alexander, Joey Cobb, and James Breuninger. Dow Agrosciences, 9330 Zionsville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268, United States of America

Dithiopyr (3,5- pyridinedicarbothioic acid, 2-(difluoromethyl)- 4-(2-methylpropyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)-S,S-dimethyl ester) has a long established history as an excellent preemergence weed control herbicide for turf. It is a pyridine with the microtubulin assembly inhibitor mode of action, but the application rate is much lower then other herbicides with this mode of action. Dow AgroSciences markets dithiopyr under the Dimension® Specialty Herbicide brands with a 1EC, a 40WP, and various granular formulations available. As turf managers and regulator's preferences change, the need arose for an advanced sprayable formulation that had reduced odor, easy to measure/dispense, low volatile organic compound emissions, and less solvents. The result is a 2EW (2 lb ae/gallon emulsion in water) formulation meeting all of these criteria along with an improved label signal word (Caution). Field trials conducted throughout the USA in 2004 and 2005 demonstrated how the 2EW formulation is as efficacious as the 1EC and 40WP formulations on key weed species such as Digitaria spp. Without a high concentration of solvents, the new 2EW formulation can also be safely applied directly over-the-top of many ornamental plant species. Results of trials will be discussed.