Adverse Effects of Atrinal (Dikegulac) on Plane Tree, Red Maple, and Norway Maple

Abstract

The adverse effects of trunk injected Atrinal (Maag, Inc.) were monitored to determine factors which may influence their occurrence. The foliar appearance of Atrinal injected plane tree, red maple, and Norway maple trees was used as an indication of phytotoxicity. Planes were the most sensitive to the phytotoxic effects of Atrinal followed by red maple, then Norway maple. Symptoms of Atrinal-induced phytotoxicity included wilting, curling, increased pubescence, and marginal necrosis on leaves. These symptoms gradually disappeared over the growing season. Injection points, monitored to determine wound healing, developed lesions, sunken areas, and bark discoloration which we describe as trunk canker. The degree of trunk cankering was correlated with Atrinal injection and the percentage of crown removed during trimming.