Weedkillers and Bulbs

Kenneth Hixson khixson@nu-world.com
Sun, 01 Oct 2006 10:20:55 PDT
Joe and Alani
	My understanding is that Roundup (Glyphosate) works
by interfering with/preventing the cell division of root tips.  Thus,
very effective on plants with limited energy reserves such as
seedlings.  Broadleaf plants seem able to deal with the stress
of being sprayed better than grasses.  Plants with reserves,
such as many bulbs, and plants in a dormant stage without
actively growing root tips, may be much less damaged.

	My limited experience is that bulbs and woody plants
may show damage the next growing season with distorted
and variegated foliage, and some growth setback, but will
survive.  Stage of growth, ie late in the season when the bulb
is going dormant, would be the most favorable time to spray.

	There are sources that declare Roundup to be
inactivated in the soil, etc.  My suggestion would be to use
caution, test and observe before using a weedkiller.  If it is
a situation where weedkiller is the only feasible solution,
then you do what you must.

Ken


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