ARBORICIDE TRIAL IN A DIPTEROCARP FOREST IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Abstract

Several chemicals, 2,4,5-T, Esteron 720, Garlon 4E, Tordon 22K and Velpar-L, were tested against sodium arsenite in killing unwanted trees in a previously logged dipterocarp forest. Results showed that a solution of 1 part Tordon 22K in 2.5 parts of water was as efficient as a 20% solution of sodium arsenite. However, Tordon 22K will not be available in the market. Of the other chemicals, a 2% solution of 2,4,5- T in diesel, presently used as an arboricide, was still found to be the only suitable alternative to sodium arsenite. Cost of the chemical and diesel being low in comparison to labour, a 4, 6 or even 8% solution of 2,4,5-T in diesel could be used to ensure greater success in tree killing. There may, however, be difficulty in the future in even obtaining sodium arsenite and 2,4,5-T.