Decline of Hackberry Attributed to Ambient Herbicide Drift

Authors

Robert H. Hibbs, Iowa Conservation CommissionFollow

Document Type

Research

Keywords

Hackberry Decline, Herbicide Drift, Celtis occidentalis

Abstract

For several years a decline of hackberry (Celtis occidentalis L.) leading to eventual tree mortality has been evident in northwest Iowa. A search for the cause of the decline in trees in and near Odebolt, in Sac County, Iowa, has included investigation of soil abnormalities, nutrient deficiencies, pathological or viral vectors, entomological agents, climatological extremes, and physiological or environmental factors. The decline could not be attributed to any disease or insect problem. Recurring symptoms were those of herbicide damage. Indications of herbicide damage included cupped, chlorotic leaves, lack of apical dominance, enlarged bud size, and epinastic twigs. In addition, increased soil nitrate levels may indicate abnormal plant nitrite levels caused by herbicidal action.

Publication Date

May 1976

Journal Title

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

Volume

82

Issue

3-4

First Page

187

Last Page

190

Copyright

©1976 Iowa Academy of Science, Inc.

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Hibbs, Robert H. (1976) "Decline of Hackberry Attributed to Ambient Herbicide Drift," Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science, 82(3-4), 187-190.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/pias/vol82/iss3/13