Investigation of the possibilities of acetic acid as total herbicide against weeds

This study was conducted in 2024 in the provinces of Tokat and Karaman to determine the use of naturally produced acetic acid as a total contact herbicide against weeds. In line with this objective, the effects of different doses of acetic acid, which is naturally produced and does not remain in the soil, on weeds found in apple orchards were determined. Four different acetic acid (vinegar acid) doses were used in the field trials. The doses used were set at 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%. As a control, 200 g/l diquat dibromide was used. No application was made to the control plots. The experiments were set up in a randomized block design with four replicates, and the plot sizes were 5m x 6m. Field observations were made on the 7th, 15th, 45th days after the experiment was set up and before harvest to assess the effects of the applications on weeds. According to the results of the study, as the application doses increased, there was a noticeable increase in the mortality rates of weeds. The percentage effect on weeds in the applications was high in the first observations and gradually decreased in subsequent observations. The 20% dose of acetic acid showed the same effect as the 200g/l diquat dibromide used as a control. This study concluded that the 20% dose of acetic acid can be used in weed control.