The University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Cooperative Extension Service

Sucker Control Demonstrations

J. Michael Moore, Extension Agronomist - Tobacco
Ed Troxell, Ag. Extension Technician
Michael G. Stepenson, Research Coordinator
Steve LaHue, CPES Field Services
Tony Roberts, Berrien County Extension Coordinator
James Clark, Appling County Extension Coordinator

Obtaining maximum sucker control with minimum maleic hydrazide (MH) residue continue to be the goals of Georgia tobacco producers and other members of the tobacco industry. By approaching these goals Georgia produced tobacco can better compete with tobacco produced in foreign countries which use little or no MH. Five replicated and three non-replicated chemical sucker control demonstrations were conducted in the tobacco producing area of Georgia during 1998 to determine the efficacy of various treatment combinations and formulations as well as to acquaint growers and others in the industry with the results of these treatments.

A replicated study was conducted at the Bowen Farm of the Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tift County to compare various combinations of available sucker control chemicals. Plot rows consisted of twenty plants of K 326 in three replications and arranged in a randomized complete block design. Cured leaf weights and grades were not taken. Green sucker weights and counts were taken just prior to the time of the final harvest and converted to a per acre basis. Treatments and results of this study are shown in Table 1.

Sucker control was improved when Prime+ or Butralin were included in the program with maleic hydrazide at 2.25 pounds per acre. Sucker numbers and weights were reduced by increasing the MH and Butralin rates from the Stifle product from 1.5 to 2.0 gallons per acre, and when the Butralin rate is increased by an additional sequential application after the MH/Butralin application. Work to reduce MH residues in cured leaf over the last 10 years has included the use of the 2.25 lb ai/A MH rate in combination with efficient use of multiple contact applications and one of the localized systemic materials. Application of higher MH rates has been directly related to increased MH residue levels. Replicated on-farm demonstrations were conducted on the Barry McMillan farm in Berrien County, the Garry Stone farm in Appling County, and the Gene Daniels farm in Irwin County. Plots consisted of four rows equivalent to one fortieth of an acre. Treatments were applied in four replications in a randomized complete block design. Tobacco was harvested and cured according to normal procedures of the grower. Green sucker counts and weights were obtained for these demonstrations. Treatments and results of the sucker counts and weights are reported in Tables 2 , 3, and 4.

Results at the McMillan farm, the Stone farm, and the Daniels farm were similar to those observed on the Bowen Farm with similar comments. Based on results of the McMillan and Stone farms where three contacts were applied the sucker growth was minimal and barely allowed enough sucker growth to compare treatments. The only treatment on the Daniels farm which received three contact applications was gave the best sucker control of all treatments. Table 5. shows the results of various contact materials followed by 2.25 lb MH compared to the same treatments with either Prime+or Butralin.

Three non-replicated chemical sucker control demonstrations were conducted in three counties where the agents applied the materials using grower equipment and application practices. The core treatments of the demos were to be a comparison of Prime+(2 qt/A) with Butralin FC (3 qt/A) in combination with 3.0 lbs/A MH as a tankmix partner. In some cases agents and growers went further to apply additional treatments and those are also shown in Tables 6, 7, and 8.

Attention: Pesticide Precautions

1. Observe all directions, restrictions and precautions on pesticide labels. It is dangerous, wasteful and illegal to do otherwise.
2. Store all pesticides in original containers with labels intact and behind locked doors. "Keep pesticides out of the reach of children."
3. Use pesticides at correct label dosage and intervals to avoid illegal residues or injury to plants and animals.
4. Apply pesticides carefully to avoid drift or contamination of non-target areas.
5. Surplus pesticides and containers should be disposed of in accordance with label directions, to contamination of water and other hazards will not result.
6. Follow directions on the pesticide label regarding restrictions as required by State and Federal Laws and Regulations.
7. Avoid any action that may threaten an Endangered Species or its habitat. Your county extension agent can inform you of Endangered Species in your area, help you identify them and, through the Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office, identify actions that may threaten Endangered Species or their habitat.

Trade names are used only for information. The Cooperative Extension Service, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, does not guarantee or warrant published standards on any product mentioned; neither does the use of a trade or brand name imply approval of any product to the exclusion of others that may also be suitable.

The University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State College, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. The Cooperative Extension Service offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability.

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Organization Committed to a Diverse Work Force

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 18 and June 30, 1914, The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

Gale A. Buchanan, Dean and Director