Top tips for effective weed management

The current lock-down situation means its ever more important for contractors’ safety to reduce the amount of time they are out and about. Lewis Blois, national account manager at Bayer, gives his top tips for getting weeds under control, while maximising limited labour resources.

Reducing spray drift

Lewis says ensuring herbicides hit their target is paramount for both efficiency and efficacy.

“There are a number of factors that can impact spray drift. These include wind velocity, atmospheric conditions, sprayer nozzle type and pressure, vehicle speed, boom height, equipment maintenance and calibration,” he adds.

“It sounds obvious, but if the weather isn’t right, don’t even attempt to spray. The code of practice for using plant protection products (PPP) advises spraying when there’s a steady force two light breeze, which is a wind speed of 2-4 mph.”

Equipment

“Next you need to assess that the equipment is in proper working order and that it is compliant with National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) regulations,” he explains.

He adds that when treating larger areas with a boom sprayer, using a low drift nozzle can help reduce spray drift, as these create a coarser spray pattern by emitting fewer fine drops that should stay on the target for longer.

“The boom must also be set at the right height above the canopy to create a consistent and even spray,” he says.

Use the right herbicide

With equipment at the ready, Lewis says choosing the most effective herbicide is the next step.

“Bayer’s herbicide, Valdor Flex ® , contains a unique formulation, with two active ingredients which prevent the emergence of a broad spectrum of weeds for up to four months, therefore reducing the frequency of traditional herbicide applications required,” he explains.

“The product provides excellent residual control for even the hardest to manage weeds on a wide range of surfaces, and with new label updates this has now been extended to include applications around the base of trees, shrubs and other plants in amenity areas,” says Lewis.

Application

Lewis adds Valdor Flex ® can be used as a stand-alone application on bare ground before weed emergence. If weeds are already present, the Valdor Flex ® application can be mixed with Roundup ® Provantage or Proactive.

“Roundup ® will provide initial knockdown, while Valdor Flex ® will offer residual control, preventing subsequent weed emergence for up to four months.

“By following these steps amenity contractors will make sure their job is done effectively with the least amount of applications,” concludes Lewis.

For more information contact the Bayer Turf Solutions Team on 00800 1214 9451 or turfsolutions@bayer.com or visit the website: www.environmentalscience.bayer.co.uk