SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1987
STP19393S

The Relative Phytotoxicity of Selected Hydrocarbon and Oxygenated Solvents and Oils

Source

Phytotoxicity is a significant factor in the selection of solvents or oils for a pesticide formulation. This project was undertaken to develop relative data on the phytotoxicity of 20 solvents and oils for four major agricultural crops: corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton. The solvents and oils were applied neat at a 32.7-L/ha (3.5-gal/acre) rate in a spray booth to approximately two-week-old postemergent plants grown in a greenhouse.

All the solvents and oils were rated by crop for relative phytotoxicity and assigned a relative rating. None of the plants died. No solvent or oil was found to be significantly more phytotoxic than the “industry standard” xylene range aromatic solvent, and the paraffinic and narrow-cut aliphatic solvents were observed to be nonphytotoxic at the 32.7-L/ha rate. Phytotoxicity was shown to be related to polarity, solvency, and the aromatics content of hydrocarbons. Surface tension was seen to be a contributing factor. Volatility did not show up as a major phytotoxicity determinant. The two grasses were seen to be more resistant to solvent-induced phytotoxicity than the two broadleafs.

Author Information

Krenek, MR
Exxon Chemical Co., Baytown, TX
King, DN
Exxon Chemical Co., Des Plaines, IL
Price: $25.00
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Developed by Committee: E35
Pages: 3–19
DOI: 10.1520/STP19393S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5007-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0943-8