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Title: AXXE® (Pelargonic acid) and Racer® (Ammonium Nonanoate): Weed control comparisons

Author
item Webber Iii, Charles
item SHREFLER, JAMES - Oklahoma State University
item BRANDENBERGER, LYNN - Oklahoma State University
item DAVIS, ANGELA - Harris Moran Seed Company

Submitted to: Extension Publications
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2012
Publication Date: 6/1/2012
Citation: Webber III, C.L., Shrefler, J.W., Brandenberger, L.P., Davis, A.R. 2012. AXXE® (Pelargonic acid) and Racer® (Ammonium Nonanoate): Weed control comparisons. 2011 Vegetable Weed Control Studies. Oklahoma State University, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture. Stillwater, OK. MP-162. p. 1-4.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Although corn gluten meal has shown promise as an early-season pre-emergent organic herbicide in squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) production, any uncontrolled weeds can inflict serious yield reductions by the end of the growing season. Organic vegetable producers need additional organic herbicides that can provide effective post-emergent weed control. Previous research with post-emergence organic contact herbicides determined that these herbicides must be applied to very young/small weeds if acceptable weed control is expected. Research was conducted in southeast Oklahoma (Atoka County, Lane, OK) to determine the impact of broadcast applications of potential organic herbicides on weed control. The experiment included two herbicides, AXXE® (65% pelargonic acid) and Racer® (40% ammonium nonanoate) applied post-directed (75 gpa, 8004, 0.40 gpm, October 12) at 4 rates (1.5, 3, 5, and 10% v/v). The experiment also included two untreated weedy checks and 4 replications. AXXE® produced as good or better weed control compared to Racer® when applied at similar application rates (% product v/v). It must be remembered that AXXE® contains a higher percentage of active ingredient (65% pelargonic acid) compared to Racer® (40% ammonium nonanoate). When comparing similar rates of active ingredients (A.I.) such as AXXE® 3% v/v product (1.95% v/v A.I.) to Racer® 5% v/v product (2.0% v/v A.I.) the weed control ratings are similar in most cases. Adjusting the Racer® application rates to equivalent active ingredient rates should provide similar results. The selection the herbicide would then depend on cost of the product at equivalent active ingredient rates. At the same cost per gallon of product, AXXE® would provide greater active ingredients with a corresponding greater level of weed control based on this research.