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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 j itself to other plants and sends 1 small growth Into their tissue to ab- sorb the sap. ; As preventive it easier than the ! cure, it is essential that only seed free from dodder be planted. Spot ! In field should be eliminated.' This j . i Circle shows how dodder wrapt Itself arsund alfalfa to absorb the sap. 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 sprayed 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 renjove 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 (rowing on weeds in the field. |