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Show Parasite Dodder May Be Killed by 2, 4-D Selection of Clean Seed Also Essential By W. J. DRYDEN Field dodder is an annual parasitic para-sitic vine, growing on lespedeza, alfalfa, al-falfa, clover and various members of the dandelion family. It attaches itself to other plants and sends small growth into their tissue to absorb ab-sorb the sap. As preventive is easier than the cure, it is essential that only seed free from dodder be planted. Spots In fields should be eliminated. Tbi . Circle shows how dodder wraps Itself around alfalfa to absorb the lap. Is possible by the use of 2, 4-D weed .killer. While the 2, 4-D also will kill lespedeza and other plants in the Bprayed areas, the loss usually will prove negligible as the dodder usually usu-ally will be confined to small scattered scat-tered areas. The labor involved in cutting out dodder is excessive and it is almost impossible to remove all of the parasite para-site by this method. Infested fields may be planted to grain or corn for several years. These crops are not attacked, but care should be taken . that the dodder does not continue ' growing on weeds in the field. I |