The dangers of using phenoxyalkyl herbicides on coconut palms

Abstract

Hormone weed-killers such as 2,4-d and 2,4,5-T are extremely dangerous and often lethal to young coconut palms and should not be used forweed control around young palms. Palms are killed by concentrations of herbicides much less than those used in week-killing. Serious and costly damage to the bunches and fruits of bearing coconut palms can be caused by hormone weed-killers. Only nonvolatile formulations shoud be used, and spraying performed only in still weather to ensure that no herbicide reaches the coconut crowns. Brush control is most safely and most effectively done by painting freshly cut stumps with 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T in oil.