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Dinitroanaline injury. This class of herbicide contains an active ingredient which generally ends with “alin,” (for example, ethalfluralin). Ethalfluralin is the active ingredient in Curbit, a commonly used herbicide labeled for cucurbit crops. Dinitroanalines alter root and shoot development and are used for pre-emergent control of grasses and broadleaf weeds. Symptoms of injury include a swelling or splitting of the primary root and shoot, which will eventually lead to poor growth, wilting, and typically death later in the season. Ethalfluralin is also an active ingredient in the herbicide strategy.

Dinitroanaline injury to watermelon roots.

(Photo: David Langston, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org)

Management:

• This herbicide should be applied to the soil surface (not incorporated) after seeding.
• Dinitroanalines prevent the full germination of weed seeds near the surface; seed of the crop to be grown is generally not affected since it is planted deeply enough to avoid damage. However, if the soils are wet or a heavy rain occurs after application, the herbicide will move deeply enough in the soil to affect the crop. For this reason, do not incorporate, do not apply to wet soils, and do not apply prior to an anticipated rain. 

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