I’ve received a couple of calls about Dupont Imprelis and injury to Spruces and White Pines. And there have been some recent blog posts on the subject. I’ve spoken with Ryan Lawn and Tree, Bruce Steward (Dupont Rep) and it was discussed at last week’s NCERA-192 meeting I attended. Dupont is supposed to be putting out a news release
on their website ASAP at but it is not up yet. But I did get the following letter from them.
I haven’t taken any pictures yet, but here are some pictures and descriptions from other blogs.
Nebraska Turf Notes has a good summary.
Buckeye Lawn and Garden Online
IAturf Blog Imprelis damage pictures
IAturf Blog Imprelis damage on trees
The herbicide is an excellent herbicide. It has a very low use rate and it controls a wide variety of broadleaf weeds. The issue with the tree damage we are seeing seem to be due to its root absorption characteristics.
I’m adding some good points I received from Judy O’Mara at the KSU Plant Diagnostic Clinic, “it sounds like in situations where it (Imprelis) has been used in the landscape near Norway spruce and white pine trees, it may be having a negative impact on those trees. I just want to throw some caution into the mix. I have been seeing loads of spruce trees across the state with a range of symptoms of needle browning, defoliation and branch dieback. Some of it has been due to spider mites, a small amount due to Rhizosphaera needle cast and a lot I have attributed to environmental stress (drought in the west, low temperatures, dessicating winds, …). It is possible Imprelis is playing a bigger role, but I still think in many locations environmental stress is the biggest factor. A lot of the spruce problems started last fall when we had hot, dry conditions at the end of the summer and into the fall. I think some of the damage is a continuation of that stressful period.”
Megan also wanted to add, “At the disease clinic we don’t do herbicide testing. All we can do is look for disease agents and send to Ent to look for insects/mites, etc.
But, if people suspect Imprelis damage, they should take photos and collect all their pesticide records. They should have records, anyway, with date, rate, method of application, weather conditions, were any other products applied at the same time, etc.”
And I agree with Nick’s statements from the IAturf blog;, “It is important to note that there are many locations where the product was used and no tree damage has occurred. Also, not all trees on the treated areas are damaged.”
We will keep you posted as we learn more.
