What's the difference using 2,4-D ester vs. 2,4-D Amine for weedcontrol in corn?

Question

Is there anything I should be aware of or look out for between the two? Can spray either of the two for weed control in sweet corn?

Answer 1

First, what weeds are you trying to control?  2,4-D is a very effective control method for annual broadleaf weeds that are small (<4 inches tall) and actively growing.  If you have a grass or grasslike weed, or the weed is a perennial broadleaf, control with 2,4-D is usually marginal.  

The ester formulation is more volatile than the anime formulation and consequently more susceptible to drift.  This will be a problem if you sweet corn is located near crops/plants that are susceptible to 2,4-D and need to be protected.

The ester formulation is also considered to be "hotter" than the amine formulation meaning a lower rate of ester is required to have the same weed control effect as the amine formulation (I find I can reduce the ester rate by about 25% compared to the amine).

2,4-D will definitely affect seedling corn emergence and can cause seed set damage if applied during silking.  Some varieties of sweet corn are more susceptible to 2,4-D than other varieties.  Make sure to read and follow label directions before applying any herbicide, much less 2,4-D.

The good thing about 2,4-D is our knowledge base.  It is the oldest  selective post-emergent herbicide available.  WE have over 60 years of experience with this herbicide and it's effectiveness in a variety of circumstances are well documented.

Good luck