Herbicidal 4-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrodiphenyl ethers

Abstract

Salts of compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a trihalomethyl group, an alkyl group, or a cyano group, and Y is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or a trihalomethyl group, and compositions containing these salts exhibit herbicidal activity.

We claim: 
     
       1. An agronomically-acceptable salt of a compound of the formula ##STR9## wherein X is a halogen atom, and Y is a hydrogen atom .[.or a halogen atom.]..   
     
     
       2. A herbicidal composition comprising a salt according to claim 1 and an agronomically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
       3. A composition according to claim 2 which also comprises a surfactant. 
     
     
       4. A method of controlling weeds which comprises applying to the surface of the growth medium prior to the emergence of the weeds from the growth medium a salt according to claim 1 in an amount sufficient to control the growth of the weeds. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 4 wherein the salt is applied at a rate of about 0.1 to about 12 pounds per acre. 
     
     
       6. A method of controlling weeds which comprises applying to weed seedlings a salt according to claim 1 in an amount sufficient to control the growth of the seedlings. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 6 wherein the salt is applied at a rate of about 0.1 to about 12 pounds per acre.