Herbicide Drift
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Herbicide drift can be an issue for high tunnel and greenhouse growers. Growth regulator herbicides, such as 2-4,D, may easily volatilize and become trapped inside structures. If backpack sprayers are used at a much higher pressure than is recommended for herbicides, the smaller droplets that form are prone to drift. Typical growth regulator herbicide injury includes malformation and irregular growth habit. Glyphosate (Roundup) can also drift and cause damage to sensitive plants. Most herbicide damage will occur on the upwind side of structures.
2-4, D injury to plants.
(Photo: Shubin Saha, University of Kentucky)
Glyphosate injury to tomato plants.
(Photo: Timothy Coolong, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- If possible, avoid using liquid herbicides anywhere on the same property as structures.
- If they must be used on nearby fields, apply herbicides only on calm days with closed walls.
- Discuss herbicide usage with neighboring growers to enlist their cooperation.
