The Mixing Ratio of 2,4-D for Morning Glory

A Rose By Any Other Name

• Field bindweed and creeping Jenny are just a couple of the names given to wild morning glory. Wild morning glory is a perennial weed that shares its name with an annual ornamental plant known as morning glory (Ipomoea tricolor). Morning glories are fast growing, vinelike plants with heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped blooms that look similar to field bindweed but are larger and showier. Ornamental morning glories can have an invasive nature, but their annual status makes them easier to control than perennial morning glories aka field bindweed.

2,4-D Information

• 2,4-D is a systemic herbicide used to control various broadleaf weeds such as wild morning glory without harming most species of turfgrass. 2,4-D works by interfering with the way plant cells grow. 2,4-D herbicides are available in many forms including concentrate or ready-to-use liquids, granules and dust. 2,4-D has a low toxicity rate in humans if ingested but can cause skin and eye irritation. Breathing in the vapors of 2,4-D can cause dizziness, coughing and burning sensation in airways. Children are generally more sensitive to pesticides than adults. Dogs and cats are more vulnerable to the toxins in this chemical than people and may suffer if they walk on wet 2,4-D and then groom themselves. Dogs and cats may also be at risk if they ingest treated grass, even if the herbicide has dried, according to the National Pesticide Information Center. The center lists the following symptoms that dogs and cats may exhibit after ingesting 2,4-D: "vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, drooling, staggering, or convulsions." Some other types of animals may also be vulnerable to 2,4-D, but beneficial insects are believed to be unaffected, according to the NPIC. To prevent damage to nearby desirable plants and increase the herbicides effectiveness, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions found on its label. And follow all warnings.

Mixing Ratio and Application Instructions

• Mixing 2 to 3 tablespoons of 2,4-D with 1 gallon of water will spot-control morning glory -- as well as other broadleaf weeds -- in noncropland areas. Consider adding 1 teaspoon of a nonionic surfactant for every gallon of water used. The surfactant reduces the water’s surface tension, which allows it to adhere better to the plant. Once well mixed, transfer the diluted 2,4-D herbicide to a pump spray and thoroughly coat the wild morning glory with the solution. Deep-rooted, hard-to-control perennial weeds such as wild morning glory may require multiple applications to effectively kill the undesirable plants.

Considerations and Precautions

• Wearing protective clothing -- such as safety glasses, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, rubber gloves and work boots -- will help prevent exposure to the herbicide. Furthermore, keep children and pets away from the area until the 2,4-D herbicide has a chance to dry completely, and don't allow pets to eat plants that have been sprayed, even after the application has dried. If desirable plants are growing nearby the wild morning glory, you can protect them from the herbicide by shielding them with a piece of cardboard or covering them with plastic while spraying the 2,4-D. Do the same for turfgrass that pets eat.