[Arid_gardener] Re: remove grass with Roundup

[Olin Miller]

The Roundup cocktail we see in the big box stores contains glyphosate with
diquat which is a top growth contact herbicide.  There is one theory that
the addditive may actually hinder the effects of the glyphosate by killing
the top growth and interfering with the plant's vascular system thus
keeeping the systemic herbicide from translocating to the roots.  And
according to some web sites, there are residual effects and potential ground
water contamination if diquat is over used.

As you know, cooperative extension agents ask Master Gardeners not to
recommend specifiic herbicides.  But I suggest searchinng the web (as I did)
where you can find lots of information on Monsanto's Roundup glyphosate
combinations and the potential side effects.

But Roundup is not the only glyphosate product.  For example, there is a
product by Gro Tec available at a big-box store (whose name begins with a W)
that lists glyphosate as the only active ingredient.

Olin Miller, Master Gardener Volunteer, Maricopa County AZ
====================================================

----- Original Message ----- From: "Jo Setliff" <josetliff2 at cox.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 4:46 PM
>I recently tried to buy Roundup (glyphosate?) that I'm convinced is safe
>for my purposes but it is virtually impossible to find.  We now have new
>and improved Roundup Plus and various other versions that have additional
>ingredients and different formulations.
> Has anybody read any research about the new formulas?  I read the labels -
> one of them said you have to wait 4 months to plant.
> Thanks,
> Jo Setliff
> Maricopa County Master Gardener
=============================================

> ----- Original Message -----> From: "Dick Gross" <rkgross3 at cox.net>
> Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 10:08 AM
>>I have used Roundup to kill unwanted grass. After reading and researching
>>the product I am personally satisfied that it is safe if used as directed
>>and easy to mix and apply using a dedicated spray unit. I have read that
>>vinvegar is effective but plain water works just as well for me.
>> The target plant should be actively growing to ingest the Roundup.
>> Irrigating and fertilizing the grass first might actually make the
>> Roundup more efficient. Obviously, you have to avoid any overspray on or
>> drift to other precious plant surfaces. Apply when the air is still.
>> With our water at 8.5 percent salinity, adding more salt to the soil is
>> the last thing I want to do.
>> Dick Gross, MGV
>> U of A Maricopa County Cooperastive Extension