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The use of chemical herbicides for weed control offers significant benefits such as saving labor, time, and achieving effective results, making it increasingly popular among farmers. However, herbicides are a double-edged sword. While they can boost crop yields, improper use may lead to reduced production instead of increased yield. The rainy season is not only the peak time for weeds but also the period with the highest usage of herbicides and the greatest risk of phytotoxicity. To prevent phytotoxicity, the following measures should be taken:
Choosing the right herbicide variety is crucial. Each herbicide has specific application ranges, and different crops require different types of herbicides. Even within the same crop, the choice may vary depending on growth stages and field conditions. For example, butachlor is suitable for paddy fields, while acetochlor is used in dry fields. When purchasing, always check the label to ensure the product is appropriate for the target crop and application method. If multiple options are available, choose products that are highly effective, low in toxicity, and safe for the environment. New varieties should be used cautiously—conduct small-scale tests first or consult other users before full implementation.
It is essential to strictly follow the dosage and application instructions provided on the label. Do not increase or decrease the amount arbitrarily, nor spray excessively. Many farmers have seen negative effects due to overuse. Some pesticide dealers even encourage customers to apply higher concentrations under the guise of improving effectiveness. This practice often leads to phytotoxicity. For instance, when applying acetochlor as a pre-emergence herbicide in cotton fields, the recommended dose per acre is 100-150 grams. However, some farmers mistakenly increase this to 200-250 grams, leading to severe phytotoxicity and reducing cotton yield by up to 2-3 times.
Preventing herbicide drift to non-target crops is equally important. Herbicides like 2,4-D butyl ester can cause serious damage to dicotyledonous plants such as cotton, peanuts, vegetables, and tobacco. In one case, when 2,4-D was used in spring wheat fields, nearby cotton crops suffered significant damage, including scorched and curled leaves, stunted growth, and loss of buds and bolls. Yield reductions reached about 30%, with weight losses as high as 50% or more. To avoid such issues, herbicides should be applied during calm or light wind conditions, with sprayers aligned with the wind direction. Spraying should start from the downwind side and move upwind to minimize drift and protect sensitive crops.
Care must also be taken to avoid damaging the next crop. Some herbicides have long residual periods and can harm subsequent crops. Before choosing a herbicide, consider what will be planted next. For example, atrazine is suitable for corn fields before the tasseling stage, but using it in fields where crops like sugar beets, potatoes, melons, or vegetables will be planted afterward can cause phytotoxicity in those crops.
Finally, herbicide sprayers must be thoroughly cleaned after use to prevent cross-contamination with other pesticides, which could lead to unintended damage. (By Jia Dengsan, Agricultural Bureau of Zhangle County, Shandong Province)
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