Herbicide Injury of Legume Vegetables
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Herbicide Injury can occur from chemical drift, residue from an application on a preceding crop, or improper application method/rate used on the current legume crop. Many different herbicides can cause damage, but legumes are most sensitive to 2,4-D and other phenoxy-type herbicides. These growth regulator herbicides can cause malformation of plant tissue and can lead to an irregular growth habit.
Phenoxy herbicide injury.
(Photo: Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)
Dicamba herbicide injury.
(Photo: Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)
Management:
- Follow individual herbicide label instructions for determining rate and application method.
- Avoid spray drift by using shielded sprayers and by applying products only on calm days.
- Information on herbicides registered for legumes can be found in Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers (ID-36).