Herbicides are special products that protect the crop from weeds and various diseases. Such modern methods of solving the problem of weeds save time and effort that could be spent on the mechanical destruction of weed grass. There are many types of herbicides that will ensure a healthy crop.
The mechanism of action of herbicides
Herbicides are chemicals that destroy weeds that interfere with the normal growth of nightshade crops. This word is derived from two Latin words that translate as “kill” and “grass”.
It is advisable to use such funds because some weeds are carriers of diseases that affect potatoes and are able to destroy the entire plantation. The advantage of using chemicals is that in this case weeds can be disposed of very quickly and without much labor.
The principle of action of herbicides depends on the type of drug. For example, certain agents destroy absolutely all plants, while others act only on weeds and herbs that are undesirable in a particular area.
Using herbicides, they achieve the following effects:
- suppression of the growth and reproduction of perennial weeds in the period after harvesting;
- suppression of early weeds in preparation for planting potatoes;
- accelerated ripening of tubers.
Modern chemicals fight weeds like:
- ambrosia;
- field bindweed;
- a pig;
- garden sow thistle;
- creeping wheat grass;
- shepherd’s bag;
- Buttock field.
Mechanical harvesting of weeds does not give such an effect as the use of chemicals.
Most modern herbicides are not harmful to humans, as well as mammals and insects. They are characterized by a lack of renal activity, work at any temperature.
Such remedies are often used in the fields in case of planting a large number of potatoes. In private gardens, they are used only if manual processing does not allow to deal with weeds. Also, in small areas, such preparations are used in the case of stale thickets of nettles and hemp in the area, in the presence of weeds with strong roots and aggressive development, for example, creeping wheatgrass.
Herbicide Varieties
There are several varieties of herbicides that destroy harmful vegetation.
By appointment
According to this criterion, the following types of chemicals for processing potatoes are distinguished:
- Continuous action. Such chemicals are aggressive against all weeds. They pose a danger to crops. That is why they must be used with extreme caution, only after harvesting or in the spring before planting the crop.
- Selective action. These pesticides destroy only certain types of unwanted plants. They do not harm the potatoes, so you can use them even after potato sprouting.
According to the mechanism of action
By this criterion, the following types of herbicides are distinguished:
- Contact. The effect of such agents extends to that part of the plant to which they were sprayed. Contact herbicides kill the aerial part of the weeds, but do not reach the roots. This is due to the fact that they have a structure that does not allow the drug to move along the vascular system of plants. Despite the fact that the roots of weeds do not die, they themselves die due to a lack of photosynthesis products. Herbicides of this kind are used to control one and two year old weeds.
- Systemic Such pesticides move throughout the plant. Particles of the drug, penetrating the vascular system of the plant, inhibit their growth and disrupt the process of cell division. Because of this, weeds wither and die. Systemic potato pesticides effectively counteract perennials - even those that have a powerful root system.
According to the method of application
Depending on this criterion, herbicides are isolated:
- Pre-emergence, or soil. Such pesticides are applied directly to the soil. In most cases, this is done a few days before planting potatoes in the soil to a depth of 5-10 cm. Soil herbicides prevent the germination of weed seeds. Such preparations provide long-term protection of potatoes from weeds throughout the season.
- Post-emergence, or leaf. These drugs are sprayed onto parts of the weeds above the ground.
In specialized stores there are many varieties of all these types of herbicides.
Popular herbicides for potatoes
Roundup
This herbicide against weeds is characterized by a continuous action. It destroys both the aboveground and underground parts of harmful plants. The active substance of the drug Roundap is glyphosate.
After the drug is sprayed, it penetrates into the plant through shoots and leaves. Through tissues, substances penetrate to zones of active growth.
Roundup contributes to the destruction of chloroplasts, worsens the process of respiration of weeds. Because of this, growth slows down, the plant gradually dies.
Fully weeds die 5-10 days after treatment. The maximum validity period is one month.
Roundup herbicide is used before sowing or before crop emergence. The concentrate is diluted with water and weeds are sprayed so that the preparation moistens the surface of the sheets well and evenly.
The cost of this chemical (140 ml) is about 800 rubles.
Centurion
Centurion belongs to the group of pre-emergence herbicides. The tool is characterized by selective action. When spraying with this drug, the active substances penetrate the weeds through the stems and leaves.
Centurion causes death of weeds in 1-2 weeks after treatment.
The advantages of this drug are the ability to use on any soil and in any weather conditions, good fixation on plants, environmental friendliness and safety.
To use this herbicide to achieve a pronounced effect is recommended with the surfactant Amigo.
The cost of the drug is about 2000 rubles per liter.
Gezagard
The weed control has a selective effect, that is, it does not affect cultivated plants. Once on the shoots of weeds, Gezagard is quickly absorbed.
The advantage of the drug is its release form: the agent is a suspension, which is much more convenient to use than herbicides in powders.
When using Gezagard on light soils, you can spend the product at low rates. If the drug is used on high humus soils, then the maximum rate is required.
After processing plants with Gezagard, cultivation in the aisles should not be carried out, as this will reduce the protective effect of the drug. Both manual and mechanized work can begin only a month after processing.
The cost of this herbicide is about 1200 rubles per liter.
Zencor
Zencor is a drug for suppressing weed growth in the area with potatoes, which has a continuous effect. This product is released in the form of granules, which are dissolved in water. The chemical has an effect not only on harmful plants, but also on the roots in the ground, preventing them from germinating.
Processing with this drug occurs in 2 stages:
- Initially, small sprouts of weeds are treated 2 days before the emergence of potatoes. To keep the thin protective film formed on the surface of the earth as long as possible, it is recommended to refrain from watering from the hose and loosening the soil after treatment;
- 2 weeks after the second treatment, the weeds are treated again.
Zencor can not be used during the day, while the sun is at its zenith.
The price is about 2200 rubles per liter.
Zelleck Super
This weed control is active against a variety of annual and perennial weeds, including those with a powerful root system.
Zellek Super is the only drug of its kind that can turn the roots of creeping wheatgrass into dust. The tool has no toxic effect on cultivated plants.
The herbicide is used during the period when annual cereal weeds are in the stage from the second leaf to tillering, and perennial plants have reached a height of 10-15 cm.
14 days after processing the culture, the active substances of the drug reach the root system of weeds: the process of its death begins.
The cost of Zellek Super is about 850 rubles per liter.
Titus
This herbicide fights both single and perennial plants. In addition, Titus well inhibits the growth of curly perennials.
This herbicide quickly penetrates into the plant through the surface of the leaf and further blocks the growth of weed cells. Complete absorption of the drug by the plant occurs over 3 hours.
Titus is active regardless of the moisture content of the soil.
On potatoes, the drug is applied once. It is dissolved in water and weeds are sprayed with the resulting solution. Post-emergence treatment after hilling is required.
Within 2 weeks after treatment, it is not recommended to carry out mechanical weed removal or loosening in the aisle.
Cost - about 4000 rubles per 100 g.
Shogun
Shogun is a selective herbicide that fights annual and perennial cereal weeds. When spraying, the agent is quickly absorbed by the leaves, after which it moves inside the plant directly to the roots.
Shogun is used during the growing season of cultivated plants.
The cost of the herbicide is about 1200 rubles per liter.
Quickstep
This herbicide belongs to the group of complex systemic chemicals. The drug effectively destroys monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weeds in potatoes. Quickstep fights both the root and the aerial parts of the weeds.
The tool acts very quickly, it is used at any stage of potato growth.
Treated weeds begin to wilt 2 days after the application of the herbicides. Complete destruction is observed after 7 days. In soil, this remedy is not active.
The cost of the drug from Quickstep weed plants is about 2900 rubles per liter.
Boxer
This is a selective herbicide used for pre-emergence and early post-emergence suppression of harmful plants and herbs, including those with a strong root system. It is used to control numerous weeds in a plot with a nightshade crop.
The toxic chemical does not affect cultivated plants; it can be sprayed on all types of soils. Boxer is compatible with most other herbicides.
A working solution based on this preparation is prepared immediately before spraying.
The cost of this herbicide is from 1100 rubles per liter.
Antiburyan
This weed control has a continuous effect. It is toxic to 300 species of perennial and perennial weeds. The main components of the product do not concentrate in the soil, do not affect the potatoes if used correctly.
Antiburyan is used after harvesting and before planting the crop in the soil. Processing should be carried out during the period of active growth of weeds, subject to favorable weather. Antiburyan bred with water.
The cost of this Ukrainian drug is 270 UAH. (about 635 rubles) per 1 liter.
Lapis lazuli
This drug has high penetration. Particles of a chemical agent penetrate the root system or leaf blade rather quickly.
The herbicide Lapis lazuli is active against more than 50 varieties of weeds that harm the development of crops. The drug protects crops from 30 to 60 days, the final time of action depends on weather conditions.
To treat the soil, pesticides must be diluted with water. Before germination of seedlings of grass, a single tillage is carried out. To exclude the effect of the herbicide on potatoes, it is necessary to deeply lay the tubers.
The cost of the pesticides Lazurite is about 2500 rubles per liter.
General rules for the use of herbicides in areas with potatoes
In the process of processing the land on which the potatoes are planted, the following rules must be observed:
- dilute the chemical in plastic or glassware, but in no case in metal;
- choose herbicides that do not accumulate in the soil and do not affect crop plants;
- prepare the solution only before spraying it, not in advance;
- periodically change the herbicides so that they do not adapt to a specific pesticide;
- adhere to the instructions for the drug before its use;
- the amount of herbicide applied to the soil depends on the type of soil;
- it is desirable to introduce pesticides against weeds into the soil at a temperature of 15-25 degrees, since at lower rates the herbicides lose their effectiveness;
- when spraying, you can not eat, drink, smoke;
- spraying must be carried out necessarily in protective clothing, gloves, a respirator and glasses;
- After completing the procedure, it is imperative to take a shower and change clothes.
Watering the site can be done only 5 days after the use of pesticides.
Herbicides are chemicals that exterminate perennial and perennial weeds. Harmful plants are difficult to exterminate mechanically. They harm the crop and can act as carriers of diseases. Without the use of herbicides, potato yields can drop by 80%.