Experience and tests with herbicides
Herbicide mixtures from teh summer 2007 field trial
MANKAR® ULV Spraying systems were originally developed for the application of glyphosate (e.g. Roundup® products). However, the units are suited for use with most liquid herbicides. The following discussion introduces some of the experiences made with herbicides from Germany, which can serve as an orientation for interested users.
In the summer of 2007, a test was conducted, using a combination of glyphosate (Roundup® UltraMax) and soil-applied herbicides in Christmas tree nurseries. This test showed that the renewed accrual of weeds was delayed through the mixing of soil-applied herbicides. The number of glyphosate treatments per year can be thereby reduced. A further test confirmed this finding in 2008. In addition, the combinations of glyphosate with Vorox® F (active substance: flumioxazin), as well as the three herbicides, glyphosate, Katana® and Vorox® F, were introduced, which likewise achieved a favourable long-lasting effect.
Development of the total gegree of coverage with weeds in %, 10 or 46 days respectively after the treatment (Source: LWK Schleswig-Holstein (K.Lange) and Mantis (excerpt))
The substances were applied undiluted, as is normally the case, with the MANKAR-P 70 – 110 wheelbarrow-type unit. The variants with components in powder form were initially mixed with the equivalent of 1 litre of water per hectare, with the glyphosate being subsequently added. All mixtures could be applied by the unit without a problem.
Trials with Basta® in cucumbers (Bayer CropScience)
ULV technology can be deployed even in sensitive areas of cultivation, for which only a few herbicides are available. An example of this is the use of Basta® (glufosinate-ammonium 200g/l) with field-grown cucumbers. In a test by Bayer CropScience in 2008, the herbicide was applied undiluted with a MANKAR-P 50 in graduated application volumes of 1.5 to 4 l/ha in comparison to a conventional knapsack sprayer (AirMix 01, with a relatively low water quantity of 50 l/ha). Conclusion: No damage to, or spoilage of the cucumbers resulted. The effectiveness with MANKAR® ULV Spraying systems is comparable to the knapsack sprayer, whereby a minimum of 2 l/ha of Basta should be applied.
Note:
Metering settings for the most commonly used herbicide, Roundup® UltraMax, are specified in the unit's Operating Instructions. The desired flow rate for other substances or mixtures must be checked and re-calibrated as necessary. In this case, as a rule, a test should be carried out on a small area before treating the entire surface area. Immediately following application, the unit should be thoroughly cleaned!
Any products applied must have specific official label approvals in the country concerned to use them legally. Please consult your pesticide advisor.