Potato Review

30 POTATO REVIEW MARCH/APRIL 2022 SPRAYING G ROWERS are being reminded not to be complacent when it comes to tank mixing and sprayer hygiene, ahead of making spring spraying applications. FMC Commercial Technical Manager Adam Espir said tank mixing pesticides helps save time and compaction by cutting down the required passes over a crop. But rushing to do this can potentially cause more problems than it solves. “When looking to tank mix, it’s essential that you don’t forget the basics. As with any pesticide, be sure to follow the product label, paying close attention to the compatibility guidance and mixing order,” he said. To prevent blockages and other problems in the sprayer, Adam stressed the importance of not rushing to put all products into the induction hopper at once. “Don’t forget to fill the sprayer with half the required water volume and start agitation. You’ll then need to ensure each pesticide added is fully dispersed before introducing another product. Be patient - you don’t want concentrates to come into contact with each other,” he said. “Once you’re confident that each product has Let us spray well Growers reminded not to forget the spray tank management basics as well as the necessity to minimise risk of drift. been fully dispersed, fill the tank to the required volume and maintain constant agitation. This process is particularly important if using granular products and EC liquids, which can be prone to blocking filters if not fully dispersed.” Adam said growers using higher water volumes can also help prevent issues, especially for complex mixes. He recommends using a minimum of 200 litres/ha of water if possible. On top of correct tank mixing protocols, Adam said appropriately cleaning out a sprayer after use will help to maintain efficacy and avoid cross contamination. ‘Drift reduction paramount’ Pre-emergence herbicide applications on potato seedbeds pose specific challenges for sprayer operators. Any cross wind in the field can lead to a greater deposition on one side of the ridge wall, but very little on the leeward side, according to Syngenta Application Specialist, Harry Fordham. “As with any pre-emergence application onto bare soil, there is always the increased risk of spray drift, especially from any small droplets,” he warned. FMC Commercial Technical Manager Adam Espir said tank mixing pesticides helps save time and compaction. Syngenta Application Specialist, Harry Fordham, says any cross wind in the field can lead to a greater deposition on one side of the ridge wall, but very little on the leeward side. “The use of 200 l/ha water volume delivers more consistent coverage, while sprayer speed at less than 12 km/hr typically reduces operating pressure to around 2.5 bar for the water volume – which helps to produce a greater proportion of larger droplets that are less drifty.” Harry Fordham, Application Specialist, Syngenta Pre-emergence herbicide application in potatoes.

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mzg1Mw==