Which formulations are recommended for basal herbicide treatments?

The recommendation for basal herbicide treatments is primarily focused on oil-based formulations due to their effectiveness in penetrating plant surfaces. Oil-based herbicides have the ability to dissolve into the fatty tissues of the plant, allowing for better absorption and translocation. This characteristic makes them particularly suitable for targeting woody plants and other tough-to-control species, as the oil can easily spread across the bark or stems.

In contrast, water-based formulations may not provide the same level of penetration through thick plant cuticles and could wash off more easily, especially if rainfall occurs shortly after application. Granular formulations also have less efficacy in basal treatments because they do not readily adhere to the woody surfaces of the plants like oils do. Solid formulations are not typically used for basal applications as they do not facilitate the necessary contact or absorption for effective control.

The oil-based approach in basal herbicide treatments ensures that the herbicide effectively reaches the plant tissues needed to carry out its action, providing a targeted and efficient method of management in right-of-way situations.