Herbicides as an establishment of sod sown Glycine javanica

The use of a herbicide to restrict competition from an existing grass sward during the establishment of sod-sown Glycine javanica L. was examined in the Lismore district of New South Wales. Following application of a herbicide containing 27.7 per cent acid equivalent (a.e.) of the sodium salt of 2,2 DPA (2,2- dichloropropionic acid) and 12.5 per cent a.e. amitrole (3-amino-1,2,4 triazole) yields of G. javanica were proportional to the rate applied, for rates up to but not greater than 7.5 lb a.e. an acre. Yields from the successful herbicide treatments were of the order of 45-60 per cent of the cultivated seedbed. However, when sod-sown into an untreated sward, glycine virtually failed to establish. Weed growth was negligible in plots treated with a herbicide but was substantial in the cultivated seedbed. The application of these findings is discussed.