See GrassOut Max Post-Emergent Herbicide. Active ingredient is Clethodim.
Glufosinate (cheetah pro brand name).
https://www.invasive.org/gist/products/handbook/12.Fluazifop.pdfFluazifop-p-butyl
https://www.groworganic.com/oid-comm-suppress-herbicide-ec-1g.html The active ingredient in Preen Garden Weed Preventer, Weed Preventer Plus Plant Food and Preen Mulch Plus is trifluralin, Although rated as having low toxicity to humans, this herbicide is highly toxic to aquatic wildlife
http://www.fluoridealert.org/wp-content/pesticides/msd/oxyfluorfen.label.goal.2xl.dec.05.pdfGoal 2XL oxyfluorfen.
https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/emon/pubs/fatememo/oxyfluorfen_efate_final.pdf Surflan (Oryzalin) is sold in smaller size quantities (quarts,pints) by the Monterey Company (available in many box stores) as Weed Impede. Or directly from the Monterey Company online. Of course, our specialized culture also helps immensely. We solarize the commercial iris ground also and that helps with the weeds. We don't say we are weeding, we say we are "dead-leaving". Today we finished up a couple more rows, taking off all the winter-killed dead leaves and maybe we had 15-20 weeds in the entire row. Our methods work wonderfully, but the work is hard!
https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/reregistration/fs_PC-104201_1-Sep-94.pdf Oryzalin had half-lives between 1.4-4.4 months under aerobic conditions; Oryzalin is carcinogenic in rats, based on an increase in mammary gland tumors in females and skin and thyroid tumors in both sexes. It has been classified as a Group C carcinogen--that is, a possible human carcinogen for which there is limited animal evidence
Ronstar G (oxadiazon) and Snapshot (Trifluralin, isoxaben), Surflan and a little Preen (trifluralin) rotation. Ornamec (fluazifop-p-butyl) later if the weeds and grass get started. I also use Roundup around the perimeter and down the rows but not before bloom as it distorts the flowers.
https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/reregistration/red_PC-109001_1-Sep-03.pdfIn both subchronic and chronic studies, the major target organ of oxadiazon toxicity was the liver. Effects were consistent among the species tested (rat, dog, mouse) and typically included enlarged livers along with increases in serum clinical chemistry parameters associated with hepatotoxicity such as alkaline phosphatase and serum aspartate or alanine aminotransferase. Following long-term dietary administration, oxadiazon caused an increased incidence of hepatocellular
adenoma and carcinoma in rats and mice. Consistent findings were reported in a total of four acceptable studies in two species (two mouse and two rat studies). A third mouse study was unacceptable, although increased hepatocellular tumors were also observed in mice of both sexes.
http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/pyrethrins-ziram/trifluralin-ext.htmlThe half-life of trifluralin in the soil is 45 to 60 days (6) or about 6-8 months (2.5 kg/ha).
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/trifluralin.pdfLiver and kidney effects have been reported in other animal studies. (3) Increased incidences of urinary tract tumors (renal pelvis carcinomas and urinary bladder papillomas) and thyroid tumors (adenomas/carcinomas combined) were observed in rats exposed to trifluralin in their diet.
Trifluralin did not produce statistically significant increases in tumors in four other dietary studies in rodents. (3)
Trifluralin is structurally similar to ethalfluralin, a carcinogen in the rat; both compounds produce a common urinary metabolite in rats that produces nonneoplastic renal pathology. (3)
N-Nitroso-di-n-propylamine (NDPA), an unavoidable contaminant in trifluralin-containing products, has
been found to be carcinogenic in rodents. (4)
EPA has classified trifluralin as a Group C, possible human carcinogen. (3)
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/are-there-alternatives-to-glyphosate-for-weed-control-in-landscapes Do herbicides kill butterflies and bees? They are HERBicides. This is a big lie circling around that HERBicies kill insects.
I do NOT recommend hand pulling - the most frustrating activity on Earth. You will break your back and ruin your hands. Learn to use herbicides. There are many of them, some are suitable for organic gardening, different half-life.
"If you pull the weeds early in the season, it is easier than after the soil dries out. If you weed regularly, it isn’t a big deal". If you pull weeds early in the season, all you are doing is cleaning space for another weeds. They keep growing till the soil dries out, and at this point you get a new round of seeds.
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/glyphosate-damage-on-tomatoes/ Damage by glyphosate usually results from spray drift, either from an application by the home gardener or by a neighbor, or from glyphosate residue in a multi-use pesticide sprayer. The amount of damage to tomatoes varies depending on several factors including the amount of exposure, growing conditions, cultivar affected, and stage of growth.
In addition to the diagnostic initial symptoms seen in Photo 1, other symptoms include cupped, crinkled and small leaflets with or without mottling similar to that from virus infections. Glyphosate-injured tomato fruits are often smaller and irregularly shaped. Depending on the amount of damage sustained, plants may recover from glyphosate injury or over time, damaged areas may turn brown and die (Photo 2). With lethal doses, necrosis (death) typically starts at the top of the plant and moves downward.
Photo 2. Later stage symptoms of glyphosate injury at the base of a leaflet.
Photo 2. Later stage symptoms of glyphosate injury at the base of a leaflet.
Paul Bachi, University of Kentucky REC, Bugwood.org
Glyphosate Use Precautions
As mentioned previously, glyphosate damage to tomatoes is completely avoidable so long as certain precautions are taken. For weed control in vegetable gardens, allow at least 3 days between application of glyphosate and planting of tomatoes. Hooded or shielded spray applications between rows of tomatoes are not recommended. Herbicides (and all other pesticides) should never be sprayed when even slightly breezy conditions exist. As much as possible, avoid using glyphosate near vegetable gardens.
If an application of glyphosate is necessary for weed control around other vegetables in the garden, utilize a cardboard shield to prevent drift to non-target plants. When applying glyphosate near or in the garden, adjust the spray nozzle to form large droplets rather than a mist, so as to reduce drift. When using a pump sprayer, pump it up to only about half normal pressure. In addition, keep the spray nozzle close to target plants when applying the herbicide. Finally, sprayers used for glyphosate should not be used for applying other pesticides, such as fungicides and insecticides.
For weed control in vegetable gardens, use the least amount of herbicide possible. Most weeds are controlled by applying a 0.75% glyphosate spray in a hand-held pump-up sprayer. Nutsedges and bermudagrasss are controlled with a spray of 1.5% glyphosate following label directions for mixing.
If tomatoes are started in a hobby greenhouse, do not use glyphosate to control weeds on the greenhouse floor, as small amounts of spray drift can severely injure tomatoes and other crops in the greenhouse. Only spray glyphosate in an empty greenhouse.
Alternative Conventional Herbicide for Use Near Tomato Plants
Sethoxydim: Some products containing the active ingredient, sethoxydim, can be used for post-emergence grass weed control around tomato and many other vegetable crops in the home vegetable garden. Most of these sethoxydim products also require the addition of 2 tablespoons of a spray adjuvant (called spreader stickers or crop oils) for best weed control. The available products include:
Bonide Grass Beater Over-the-Top Grass Killer Concentrate (13%); no crop oil or spreader sticker required,
Ferti-lome Over-the-Top II (18%); requires use of Hi-Yield Spreader Sticker,
Hi-Yield Grass Killer Postemergence Grass Herbicide (18%); requires use of Hi-Yield Spreader Sticker,
Monterey Grass Getter (18%); requires use of Monterey Crop Oil Concentrate,
Poast Herbicide (18%); requires use of crop oil concentrate.
All sethoxydim products listed have “warning” as the safety signal word on the label. As with all pesticides, read and follow all label instructions and precautions. Use these products with caution due to potential leaf injury if the temperature is greater than 90 °F with the relative humidity greater than 60%. Do not use sethoxydim around corn, which is a grass crop.
Alternative Natural-based, Burn-down Herbicides
For those who would prefer not to use glyphosate for weed control in vegetable gardens, landscape beds, or areas to be kept free of weeds, several non-selective, burn-down herbicides are available that are based on more natural products. This does not mean that they are safer for the individual doing the spraying - caution is always advised. Even natural products may irritate or burn the skin, or injure the eyes, especially in the concentrated form. Read the product label for safe use and protective clothing (such as coveralls). It is advisable to wear rubber boots to prevent contact when walking through areas being sprayed, as well as wearing protective goggles. Wear a pair of rubber or top quality dish washing gloves to help protect your hands and forearms from exposure, especially when mixing and adjusting the sprayer nozzle. Also keep in mind that sprayer wands often leak.
Please note that burn-down herbicides do not translocate into the root system, which means that for perennial and tougher to kill weeds, the weeds may regrow from the roots and require additional sprays for control. These products control actively growing, emerged, green vegetation. However, by being persistent with the spraying of any weed regrowth, even the toughest of weeds can be controlled. Do not allow sprays to contact desirable plants.
Herbicidal Soap: Herbicidal soap (ammoniated soap of fatty acids) can be used for post-emergence general weed control. Shield tomato plants to prevent contact with spray. Examples include:
Weed-Aside Herbicidal Soap from Gardens Alive,
Similar products containing herbicidal soaps are labeled for use in the vegetable garden, but only prior to planting the crop. Examples include:
Garden Safe Brand Weed & Grass Killer RTU.
All products listed have “caution” as the signal word on the label, except Monterey Herbicidal Soap, which has “warning.” RTU means pre-mixed and ready to use.
Pelargonic Acid: Pelargonic acid is a naturally-occurring fatty acid found in many plants. Herbicides containing pelargonic acid are labeled for post-emergence, non-selective, weed control. As such, non-target plants, such as tomatoes, must be shielded to prevent spray contact and potential injury. Examples of herbicides containing pelargonic acid include:
Scythe Herbicide (57% pelargonic acid)
BioSafe Weed Control Concentrate (40% ammoniated nonanoate) OMRI
Mirimichi Green Pro Weed Control Concentrate (40% ammoniated nonanoate) OMRI
Mirimichi Green Pro Weed & Grass Control RTU (premixed) (5% ammoniated nonanoate) OMRI
Note: Pelargonic acid is a fatty acid which occurs naturally as esters in the oil of pelargonium. It is often called nonanoic acid. The ammonium salt of nonanoic acid, ammoniated nonanoate, is an herbicide. These products have “warning” as the safety signal word on the label.
Natria: The active ingredients are Ammoniated soap of fatty acids and Maleic Hydrazide.
https://www.nature.com/articles/2151388a0 it was concluded that the herbicide was clearly carcinogenic
Plant Essential Oil-based Herbicides: Examples include:
SafeGro Weed Zap (contains 45% cinnamon oil & 45% clove oil) (OMRI)
This cinnamon and clove oil product has “caution” as the safety signal word.
Orange Oil (d-limonene) -based Herbicides: These include:
Avenger Weed killer Concentrate (70% d-limonene) Concentrate; and RTU (OMRI)
This orange oil product has “caution” as the safety signal word.
Acetic Acid-based Herbicides: Examples include:
Summerset Brand All Down Concentrate (23% acetic acid & 14% citric acid); also RTU (8% acetic acid & 6% citric acid)
These acetic acid products have “danger” as the safety signal word. Acetic acid can cause eye damage, so also wear eye protection (goggles).
For information on the best conditions for growing a healthy tomato plant, see HGIC 1323, Tomato.
For non-chemical weed control options in the garden, see HGIC 1253, Controlling Weeds by Cultivating & Mulching.
To learn about other tomato problems, see HGIC 2217, Tomato Diseases and HGIC 2218, Tomato Insect Pests.
If this document didn’t answer your questions, please contact HGIC at hgic@clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988.
Original Author(s)
Janet McLeod Scott, Former Horticulture Information Specialist, Clemson University
Revisions by:
Joey Williamson, PhD, HGIC Horticulture Extension Agent, Clemson University
This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. All recommendations for pesticide use are for South Carolina only and were legal at the time of publication, but the status of registration and use patterns are subject to change by action of state and federal regulatory agencies. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed.