The herbicidal properties of boron compounds

Crafts, A; Raynor, R

The herbicidal properties of boron compounds

Authors

A. S. Crafts
R. N. Raynor

Authors Affiliations

A. S. Crafts was Assistant Professor of Botany and Assistant Botanist in the Experiment Station; R. N. Raynor was Associate in the Experiment Station, Division of Botany.

Publication Information

Hilgardia 10(10):343-374. DOI:10.3733/hilg.v10n10p343. December 1936.

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Abstract

Abstract does not appear. First page follows.

Introduction

In the field of chemical weed control there is a constant demand for a reagent that will render the soil permanently sterile, for use on graveled driveways, parking areas, railroad right of ways, and similar areas where any plant growth is a nuisance. Although arsenic has proved most effective ⁽¹⁴⁾4 for this purpose, its use is always attended by a poison hazard. For this reason it seems desirable to find a soil sterilant that is nonpoisonous to man and animals. The known toxicity of boron compounds to plants suggests the possibility of their use for this purpose.

While it is recognized that toxic concentrations of boron occur in soils in certain regions in California and Nevada ⁽¹⁹⁾, ⁽²³⁾, ⁽³²⁾ and that the leaching of additional boron compounds into the underground waters in these regions is undesirable, there are large areas in these states, and others, where such a condition does not exist. In fact, as the data presented in this paper will show, one of the most promising uses for boron compounds is in the control of range weeds in the north-coast counties of California where the underground waters are not utilized for irrigation. It seems therefore that such materials may find extensive use in many places.

On the other hand, it is well to point out at the outset that wherever boron is present in toxic quantities in soils, and wherever crop plants may be affected, boron compounds should not be used in weed control.

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Toxicity of arsenic, borax, chlorate, and their combinations in three California soils