Data were collected on 36 variables including application, environmental, edaphic, and plant conditions during a 3-year study of aerial brush control treatments at 79 sites. These then were correlated with defoliation responses of blackjack oak (Quercus marilandicaMuenchh.) and post oak (Quercus stellataWangenh.) to (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4,5-T). The stage of oak growth was of primary importance in obtaining maximum defoliation with 2,4,5-T; the oaks were most susceptible 6 to 8 weeks after the last killing frost. Air temperatures above 90 F, relative humidity below 60%, poor spray coverage and swath widths greater than 50 ft significantly reduced defoliation by 2,4,5-T. Total rainfall during the month before spray application was positively correlated with defoliation by 2,4,5-T, but correlations with rainfall for other time intervals before and after spraying were not significant. Wind above 6 mph at the time of treatment slightly reduced 2,4,5-T effectiveness, but wind direction and dew at spray time did not influence herbicide activity. Application rates of less than 1.75 lb/A were not as effective as higher rates. Aircraft design, spray-water carrier constituents, soil type, soil depth, soil temperature, and topography had no apparent influence on defoliation of oaks by 2,4,5-T.
