asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state if his attention has been drawn to research proceedings in the U.S.A. on the use of 2, 4—dichlorophenyl acetic acid for the destruction of docks, chickweed, dandelions and plantains without injury to grass; and if he will cause experiments to be made here with a view to popularising this procedure in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dichlorophenyl Acetic Acid.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second part, trials with such of these chemical preparations as are available are in progress in this country.
The impression appears to have been created that weeds can be easily eradicated by chemical dressings. I am advised this is not so. Many of the common weeds have so far been found to be resistant to the chemicals that have been tried, and certain of the dressings have been found to be harmful to useful plants.
Has the Minister caused experiments to be made in this country as yet with regard to this particular chemical?
We have not got this particular chemical, but we have got one which is closely allied with it and with which we are carrying out experiments, namely, dinitro-ortho-cresol, but the experiments so far are not by any means conclusive.
Will the Minister consider bespeaking the services of some manufacturer or chemical factory here with a view to producing this chemical, in view of the remarkable claim made for it in responsible chemical periodicals in the United States of America?
We have not succeeded so far, but we are trying.