A call to a Butte/ Padre 7th leaf orchard in the Hilmar/Livingston area provided some interesting symptoms associated with uptake from herbicides. Five days after a flood irrigation, the grower noticed that a few trees on the end of five rows were collapsing (Figure1). The damage was occurring across varieties affecting two out of three scaffolds. The soil texture was a sand common to the Hilmar/Livingston area.
Figure 1: Overview of tree collapse. Figure 2: Damaged tissue progressing from the tree roots into the trunk
A closer inspection of the tree showed a sunken area on the bark, but no gumming was present. Bark removal revealed a large red canker progressing up the tree from the soil (Figure 2). Removing the soil, the damaged plant tissue was visible on the roots, but stopped about five feet from the trunk (Figure 2). At that point, the roots beyond that point appeared healthy. Leaves of the tree were yellow, maintaining green veins – similar to a few different nutrient deficiencies. Creating a cross section, it became clear that something was trans-located up the tree through the xylem – as evident by the dis-colorization of the tissue (Figure 3 and 4). This suggested that the problem was not due to a disease, but rather something chemical.
Figures 3 and 4: Bark removal and cross section of the almond tree affected by 2,4-D uptake through improper herbicide application.
Speaking with the grower, we went through a variety of orchard activities that may have caused the damage. That led to discussions about fertilizers, herbicides, and any other cultural practices. Everything seemed to be reasonable, so the conversation turned towards orchard activities that occurred prior to the flood event. The grower admitted that an herbicide application of 2,4-D was made 36 hours prior to the irrigation. 2,4-D was applied at the full label concentration and was used to spot treat weeds by handgun through the orchard.
In most situations, properly applied herbicides will stay within the area of application. When over-applications of products are made, the product can move and cause tree damage due to its concentration. Since these products are water soluble, their ability to move increases when an irrigation occurs shortly after product application. Using a handgun to apply any herbicide is very inaccurate in applying the proper dose. In many occasions, handgun applications lead to a 10 X rate or greater application within the treated area. This over-application of product can be dangerous to trees – as shown above. I doubt that this damage would have occurred if a 1X concentration would have been applied.
CA Almond Man
August 11, 2010Well why don’t we just gather around the trees and hold hands.
How else are you going to apply something like 2,4 D? By tractor through those trees? HA How bout with a plane or helicopter? Yeah right….
You call this news? Give ME something I can use.
The Almond Doctor
August 11, 2010Working with the grower who lost the trees, he never saw symptoms such as this before. With that thought in mind, I figured I would share it with other people to make them aware of the dangers of an oversighted/accidental application.
If this post is seen as an advocate against herbicides, you are reading it the wrong way. I view herbicides as an important tool for orchard production. Several entries have been posted regarding the topics of weed control and herbicide use.
I am sorry that you didnt find the topic useful. Please either post or email (daviddoll01@gmail.com) topics of interest and I will do my best to address them in future entries.
Anonymous
August 14, 2010Thanks for posting this. This is something that I need to look out for when we’re doing spot-sprays.
Gary Zeiher
July 30, 2019My 1st leaf trees have symptoms which you have described, and since i am learning . I appreciate your posts and find all your articles very informative.
David Doll
July 31, 2019You are very welcome. Best of luck with your young orchard,
David