Effects of 2,4-D on mature and juvenile plants of water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms)

Abstract

The effects of various concentrations of the herbicide 2,4-D were investigated on two vegetative forms of water hyacinth including juvenile and mature forms. The results obtained suggest that efficient chemical control of water hyacinth may be best applied at the early stages of vegetative development of the water hyacinth, i.e. at the juvenile phase. This would require the use of 2,4-D at a concentration of 60 000 ppm (2.2 kg/ ha) which equals to half the rate of 2,4-D normally used for control of water hyacinth in the Sudan. The lower rate of 2,4-D not only means a considerable reduction in quantity and cost of the consumed herbicide but also a substantial minimisation in the level at which pollution may build up in the White Nile of the Sudan.