The use of knapsack sprayers plays a valuable role in grassland weed management. Professional-use products are available for knapsack application to achieve high levels of control of tough-to-control weeds such as docks, nettles, thistles, brambles, gorse and broom.
Farmers are urged to prioritise safety and regulatory compliance when applying herbicides via this method, so if it doesn’t say on the product label that you can apply the product for the use that on the product label, then it is not an approved use.
Dave Gurney, Field Technical Manager for Grassland Crop Protection Products at Corteva comments: “Knapsack sprayers are a valuable tool, especially in hard-to-reach areas or where weed populations are sparse, which is considered less than a 5% infestation in the field.
“It’s vital they’re used correctly and legally to ensure safety of the operator, the environment, and livestock. Part of this is ensuring the product used is one which is licenced for use in a knapsack as most are not.”
Corteva’s Grazon® Pro remains one of the few herbicides authorised for use with handheld and knapsack equipment. It comes in a handy 1 litre pack with a much-valued measuring device. It offers effective control of most common grassland weeds including docks, nettles, thistles, brambles and other woody species.
Dave continues: “Grazon Pro is safe to grass and works quickly. The herbicide can also be used with the hand lance of an ATV-mounted sprayer for spot treatment across larger areas.”
UK legislation requires anyone using a knapsack sprayer for professional pesticide application to hold the appropriate certifications, namely PA1 and PA6.
“These qualifications aren’t optional,” Dave stresses. “They are essential to ensure the operator understands the need for proper handling, mixing, and application of chemical products, and the correct cleaning procedures for the knapsack and safe storage of the pesticide. PA6 has many sub-modules too, so make sure you have the correct certificate for the job that you wish to undertake.”
Farmers are reminded to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times which may vary when handling the concentrate and applying of the dilute product. Label instructions should be carefully read and followed for correct dilution and application.
Dave adds: “Apart from using the correct PPE, it is also important to protect yourself from drift and exposure when applying herbicide. This is achieved by only spraying in suitable conditions, minimising drift and the risk of off-target spraying, which could also harm other plants, hedges or trees.”
More information can be found at www.corteva.co.uk/grazon
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About Corteva
Corteva, Inc. is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry - including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection and digital solutions focused on maximising productivity to enhance yield and profitability. With some of the most recognised brands in agriculture and an industry-leading product and technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfils its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Corteva Agriscience became an independent public company on June 1, 2019 and was previously the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. More information can be found at https://www.corteva.co.uk/products-and-solutions/pioneer.html.
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Laura Bowyer
Twig Strategic Communications
laura@wearetwig.com
07979 142159