Broad-leaved crops present a completely different target to cereals, with horizontal leaves interlocking into a closed canopy. Persuading the spray into that canopy is tricky – often only 10-15% of spray ends up where it's needed. Big drops hardly get below the surface, but fine drops can ride in horizontally on air turbulence.
Weed control
Water volume
100–200 L/ha depending on nozzle choice.
Nozzle choice
Use DEFY 3D 04 nozzles for slower applications, or DEFY 3D 05 nozzles where conditions allow faster forward speed. Alternate nozzles facing forwards and backwards along the boom. If conditions are marginal, use an equivalent sized AMISTAR® AI nozzle to reduce the risk of spray drift.
Application speed
DEFY 3D 04 nozzle: 8-12 km/h
DEFY 3D 05 nozzle: 12-16 km/h
Other comments
Keep the boom low (50 cm above the ridge) and pressure moderate (2 to 2.5 bar).
Coverage of both sides of the ridge is imperative - avoid spraying in cross winds.
Blight control
Angled DEFY 3D nozzles produce less drift and direct a medium spray droplet where it's needed. As the crop develops and the canopy closes, Syngenta DEFY 3D nozzles can double the amount of chemical reaching the lower parts of the plants, compared to standard flat fan nozzles.
Water volume
Pre row-closure: 100 - 200 L/ha
Post row-closure: 200 - 300 L/ha
Nozzle choice
Use DEFY 3D 04 nozzles for slower applications, or DEFY 3D 05 nozzles where conditions allow faster forward speed. Alternate nozzles facing forwards and backwards along the boom. If conditions are marginal, use an equivalent sized AMISTAR® AI nozzle to reduce the risk of spray drift.
Application speed
DEFY 3D 04 nozzle: 8 - 12 km/h
DEFY 3D 05 nozzle: 12 - 16 km/h
Other comments
Keep the boom low (50 cm above the ridge) and pressure moderate (2 to 2.5 bar).
Lower water volumes may be used in the very early part of the season but 200-300 L/ha is best for the majority of sprays.
Desiccation
Using foliar desiccation sprays (i.e REGLONE® ) usually means a two spray programme (depending on the size of the haulm). The first spray takes the leaves off, and the second targets the stems.
Water volume
For very big haulms use 400 L/ha for the first spray to open up the crop, then use 200 L/ha for the second spray. 200 L/ha has been shown to be equal to or better than higher volumes after two sprays.
Nozzle choice
DEFY 3D 04 nozzle: 8 - 12 km/h
DEFY 3D 05 nozzle: 12 - 16 km/h
Alternate nozzles facing forwards and backwards along the boom.
Application speed
DEFY 3D 04 nozzle: 8 - 12 km/h
DEFY 3D 05 nozzle: 12 - 16 km/h
Other comments
If the crop is dense or growing vigorously, use 400 L/ha for the first spray; follow up 5 days later at 200 L/ha.