If I apply a herbicide early in the morning when the temperature is below 70 degrees and the dew is still on the weeds, will it still be effective when the temps rise to 90 degrees in the afternoon? By that time, the chemical has been absorbed into the plant, but I'm wondering if our high temperatures will slow down the work of the herbicide. Specifically, I want to use a poison ivy/brush killer that is rated for use on trumpet vine. I would hate to have to wait until the weather cools to get at the huge patch of this stuff. The plants are still less than a foot high and would be easier to kill now than later.

Herbicide uptake
Hi, Gugsi,
Since plant respiration slows dramatically at high temperatures, the amount of chemical taken up at 90 degrees would probably be minimal.
The label should say how long the chemical should remain on the plant to be "rain proof", and I would let that be your guide, i.e. how much time will the herbicide be on the plant before the temperature is above 85 degrees? If that time matches the time for "rain proof", then I think you would be okay. Gee, I hope that makes sense.
Cheers,
Carole
Johnson County Extension Master Gardener
Carole, it makes perfect
Carole, it makes perfect sense. I'll do it tomorrow after the rain stops and before the heat sets in and let you know how it worked. thanks! I just hope the forecasters are correct that it will be done raining by 7am.
Let's Hope for Rain
As a farm boy growing up in southern Kansas rain seemed to never come at a good time. Now as a city boy that does not want to pay a high water bill I appreciate rain every time it falls. Let's hope you have to wait to spray:)
Dennis
Haha, too late! I got the
Haha, too late! I got the spraying in between the rains with time to spare. All the trumpet vines are looking sad now, faster than they did when I used Roundupon them. I'm crossing my fingers I won't have to spray again. That brush killer isn't cheap!
Trumpet Vine
You will be spraying again! Sorry to bring bad news! Dennis