Evaluation of Generic and Branded Herbicides

While the purchase price of herbicides is important to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), it is essential to look at more than just initial costs to determine whether generic or branded products are the best practice. This project focused on three herbicides (Roundup® PROMAX, Escort® XP, and Transline®) currently used by TxDOT. To evaluate the effectiveness of generic and branded herbicides, the research team conducted an online survey of herbicide practitioners (personnel involved with application, approval, purchase, training, etc.) to determine personal experience. Also, field tests were conducted on roadside sections in two sites. The test plots were installed to determine the efficacy and rate of kill of various generic and branded herbicides. Along with the survey of practice, the research team conducted a literature review and cost/benefit analysis to determine whether generic herbicides meet equivalent performance, toxicology, environmental impact, and safety requirements as branded herbicides with significant cost savings.