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Application is more than getting your chosen product onto the crop - it can contribute 50% of your chemical control so every little improvement in technology or technique can increase control.

We research and trial application techniques to give you the best advice on how to do this as sustainably as possible, considering weather conditions and the environment to help you get the most out of every drop. 

That’s why we advocate to go low, go slow and get covered. Boom height, forward speed and water volume can all improve your application practice, especially with a drift reducing nozzle in certain situations.

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Go low
Keep your boom down to 50cm or less
Reduce sprayer speed to 12km/h or less
Go slow
Reduce sprayer speed to 12km/h or less
Get covered
Get covered
Use low-drift nozzles to deliver water volume of 200 l/ha

Syngenta is committed to best-in-class, practical application advice so every grower gets the most from our products—safely and sustainably. Backed by continuous R&D and rigorous trials, we’re advancing application technologies that maximise performance in the field.

Select your crop below to access tailored application advice and best-practice guidance.

 

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Crop Application Guide

Advancing the art of application - Professional nozzle selection for optimal crop protection

Select Crop Type







Cereals Application

Herbicide & Fungicide Application

Herbicides Pre-emergence Application: With pre-emergence sprays there is only one target – the ground. An even distribution of the spray liquid is the aim. Patchy weed control most usually comes from patchy application, due to the wrong choice of nozzle and drift.

Key Principle: Fine sprays are important for retention on difficult to wet grass weed leaves such as wild oats and black-grass. For a given volume of liquid, when the drop size is halved, the number of drops produced goes up by a factor of eight, and the coverage of a flat area of leaf or ground may be up to four times greater. So where the target is very small, a fine spray will greatly increase the chances of hitting it.

Fungicide Application Principles: Cereals present a tall, thin target. Bigger spray droplets penetrate better into the canopy than fine mist, which is either dragged in by turbulence or drifts away. Typically, a standard fan-jet puts half the spray on the crop at GS30/31, the other half is available for weed control, or is wasted to the ground. Nozzles can be selected to suit different application targets.
Timing Water Volume (l/ha) Speed Best Nozzle Reduced Drift Option
Pre-em herbicides 200 l/ha <12 km/h 3D ninety - alternating forwards and back 3D ninety - alternating forwards and back
Post-em herbicides 100 and above <12 km/h 3D nozzle all forwards or alternating forwards and back 3D ninety nozzle
Spring wild oats <GS30 100 and above <12 km/h 3D nozzles 3D ninety nozzle
Spring wild oats >GS31 100 and above <12 km/h 3D ninety nozzles 3D ninety
Fungicides T0 100 <12 km/h 3D nozzles 3D ninety nozzle
Fungicides T1-T2 100 <12 km/h 3D ninety nozzles 3D ninety nozzle
Fungicides T3 100 <12 km/h 3D nozzle alternating forwards and back 3D ninety nozzle
Target Characteristics: Cereals present a tall, thin target. Bigger spray droplets penetrate better into the canopy than fine mist. The 3D ninety nozzle has been specifically designed for optimal fungicide applications.

Recommended pre-emergence nozzles

Nozzle Technology: Low drift nozzles have proven very effective and good results from air induction nozzles can be expected. The 3D ninety nozzle has been specifically designed to achieve the best results with fungicide applications – providing the ideal spectrum of droplet sizes. Cereal fungicides are robust and work well when applied as coarse sprays and at reduced volumes.
Nozzle Water Volume (l/ha) Pressure (bar) Speed (kph) LERAP Rating Drift Reduction Comments
3D nozzle
3D 83-06		 200 2.1 12 *** Up to 1.0 bar (alternating fwd & bkw) N/A Ideal spray conditions ONLY. Low pressures under LERAP conditions
3D 83-05 200 2.1 10 N/A N/A -
90% drift reducing nozzle
3D ninety
80-05		 200 2.0 10 **** Up to 5.0 bar 90% up to 5.0 bar Top recommendation for 90% drift reduction and good efficacy
Lechler ID120/03 100 2.1 12 *** Up to 8.0 bar 90% Delivers 90% drift reduction at 100 l/ha
Note on Water Volumes: In challenging grass-weed conditions, 200 l/ha has shown better results compared to 100 l/ha. For drift reduction nozzles with higher operating pressures, choose larger orifice sizes for coarser droplets.

Oilseed Rape Application

Crop Characteristics & Challenges

For grass weed control in oilseed rape, operators face the extra problem of crop shading emerging target seedlings – the best rates of control are achieved by early applications at the one to two leaf stage. Finer droplets are required to wet shiny grass leaves and generate sideways movement to get under leaves. As the crop progresses through the growth stages the canopy becomes closed to apply fungicides below the canopy the 3D ninety nozzle is recommended.
Key Challenge: Crop shading of emerging target seedlings. Best control rates achieved by early applications at 1-2 leaf stage. Finer droplets required to wet shiny grass leaves and generate sideways movement.

Application Schedule

Timing Water Volume (l/ha) Speed Best Nozzle Reduced Drift Option
Pre-em herbicides 200 l/ha <12 km/h 3D ninety alternating forwards and back 3D ninety alternating forwards and back
Post-em herbicides 100 and above <12 km/h 3D alternating forwards and back 3D alternating forwards and back
All fungicides 100 and above <12 km/h 3D ninety nozzles 3D ninety nozzles
Pollen beetle 100 and above <12 km/h 3D alternating forwards and back 3D ninety nozzles
Fungicide Timing: As the crop progresses and canopy closes, 3D ninety nozzles are recommended to apply fungicides below the canopy for optimal coverage.

Potato Application

Canopy Characteristics

Challenge: Broad-leaved crops with horizontal leaves interlocking into closed canopy. Often only 10-15% of spray reaches where it's needed. Fine drops can ride in horizontally on air turbulence.
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.

Application Schedule

Timing Water Volume (l/ha) Speed Best Nozzle Reduced Drift Option
Pre-em herbicides 200 l/ha <12 km/h 3D ninety alternating forwards and back 3D ninety alternating forwards and back
Blight Control 200 l/ha <12 km/h 3D alternating forwards and back 3D alternating forwards and back

Maize Application

Canopy Evolution

A maize crop provides a very open canopy to begin with allowing for great coverage using the 3D Nozzle at pre- and post-emergence. As the crop moves through the growth stages the canopy covers and the height differential between the target and the boom height increases. This increases the chance of herbicide being intercepted en route to the target.

Application Schedule

Timing Water Volume (l/ha) Speed Best Nozzle Reduced drift option
Pre-em herbicides 200 l/ha <12 km/h 3D ninety - alternating forwards and back 3D ninety - alternating forwards and back
Post-em herbicides 200 l/ha <12 km/h 3D ninety - alternating forwards and back 3D ninety - alternating forwards and back

Vegetables Application

High Input Crop Requirements

Application Frequency: Vegetables are high input crops requiring multiple applications throughout the season. Nozzle selection is vital due to the wide range of different shapes and surfaces. Herbicide application is often when the crop is small, making coverage vital.

General Vegetable Guidelines

Application Type Water Volume (l/ha) Speed Best Nozzle
Pre-em herbicides 200 l/ha <12 km/h 3D ninety - alternating forwards and back
Blight Control 200 l/ha <12 km/h 3D ninety - alternating forwards and back

Herbicide Application Details

Timing Water Volume (l/ha) Best Nozzle Notes
Pre-emergence good seed bed 200 3D ninety alternating forward and back Optimal conditions
Pre-emergence cloddy seed bed 200-400 3D ninety alternating forward and back Increased volume for clods
Post-emergence soil applied 200-400 Syngenta vegetable nozzle 06 or 08 Narrow angle recommended
Graminicide 100-200 3D nozzle forwards and backwards Angle spray critical
Broad-leaved weeds 100-200 3D nozzle forwards and backwards Increase based on crop

Insecticide and Fungicide Application

Cabbage Applications

Small open: 100-200 l/ha, 3D ninety nozzle

Hearted: 300-800 l/ha, Syngenta vegetable nozzle 06 or 08

Field trials have shown that tailored application advice will improve efficacy of products at different timings. For cabbages this is defined as when the crop are small and when they are hearted.
Brussels Sprouts

Small open: 100-200 l/ha, 3D ninety nozzle

Large: 300-500 l/ha, Lechler ID3 120-05 for deposition onto buttons and lower leaves

Recommendations vary depending on the size of the crop at the time of application. Early herbicides can be applied using conventional technology however the later fungicide applications can have their effect maximised on the buttons by the specific recommendations below.
Onions

Small: 100-200 l/ha, 3D ninety alternating forwards and back

Large: 200 l/ha, 3D ninety alternating forwards and back

In onion crops it is important that the application method is right as crop coverage is vital, an angled spray is vital to get the best coverage possible.
Carrots

Small: 100-200 l/ha, 3D nozzle or Syngenta potato nozzle 04/05

Large: 300-400 l/ha, Syngenta vegetable nozzle 06 or 08

Carrot crops are easy to cover when they are small however it is very difficult to achieve good coverage of the crown using conventional technology, especially when the canopy is large.
Lettuce

Small open: 100-200 l/ha, 3D ninety nozzle

Hearted: 300-800 l/ha, Syngenta vegetable nozzle 06 or 08

Lettuce crops move through the growth stages quickly it is important that you hit it at the right time and get the maximum coverage possible.
Leeks

Small: 100 l/ha, 3D nozzle angle spray forwards and backwards

Large: 200-300 l/ha, Syngenta potato nozzle 04 or 05

Leek crops can be hard to target with a large amount of run off meaning that high water volumes are vital.
Cauliflower

Small pre-curd: 200-300 l/ha, Syngenta potato nozzle 05

Developing curds: 200-300 l/ha, Syngenta potato nozzle 05 or vegetable nozzle 06

Cauliflower crops change throughout the season with run off being the major concern it is important use the correct nozzle.
Asparagus

Fern application: 250-350 l/ha, Twin Cap Syngenta vegetable nozzle and standard flat fan alternating

Asparagus is a small target to hit in the field therefore accuracy is key make sure that the nozzles allow for maximum results.
Courgettes

Small plants pre-fruit: 200 l/ha, Standard flat fan nozzle

Large fruiting plants: 200-300 l/ha, Standard flat fan or Droplegs with standard nozzle

Courgettes come in a varying sizes and require optimum coverage of application as run off is a major concern.

Special Applications

Applications Through Fleece

Water Volume: 300 l/ha

Nozzle: Syngenta vegetable nozzle 06

Fleece covers the canopy of the crop meaning that any application needs to penetrate through the surface of the fleece in order to get to the target.

Legumes Application

Peas vs Beans - Key Differences

Canopy Difference: Peas and beans are often referred to together as common legume break crops. However, from an application viewpoint they're very different - bean canopies are very open compared to peas. Larger drops are needed to penetrate thicker pea canopies at later growth stages.

Peas Application

Timing Water Volume (l/ha) Speed Best Nozzle In Compromised Conditions
Pre-em herbicides 200 10-12 km/h 3D nozzle alternating forwards and back 90% Drift Reduction Nozzles
Post-em herbicides 100 and above 12-14 km/h 3D nozzle alternating forwards and back 3D ninety nozzle
Fungicides 200 12 km/h or slower 3D nozzle alternating forwards and back 3D ninety nozzle, all facing backwards when operated at 1.5 bar pressure
Insecticides - - 3D nozzle alternating forwards and back -

Beans Application

Timing Water Volume (l/ha) Speed Best Nozzle In Compromised Conditions
Pre-em herbicides 200 10-12 km/h 3D nozzle alternating forwards and back 90% Drift Reduction Nozzles
Post-em herbicides 100 and above 12-14 km/h 3D nozzle alternating forwards and back 3D ninety nozzle
Fungicides 100 and above** 12-14 km/h 3D nozzle alternating forward and backward along the boom for improved coverage 3D ninety nozzle when operated at 1.5 bar pressure
Insecticides 100 and above** 12-14 km/h 3D nozzle alternating forward and backward along the boom for improved coverage 3D ninety nozzle when operated at 1.5 bar pressure
Fungicide Timing: As the crop progresses and canopy closes, 3D ninety nozzles are recommended to apply fungicides below the canopy for optimal coverage.
Dense Crop Coverage: ** In denser crops, coverage can be increased by using higher water volumes. Do not exceed 200 l/ha.

Pre-em Application

Pre-emergence applications can be high risk for drift due to bare soils that release stored heat, which causes air/spray to rise without crop to intercept the spray. Small spray droplets are particularly susceptible to spray drift. Product drift not only reduces efficacy but also risks contaminating 'non target' areas.

Recommended pre-emergence nozzles

Nozzle Water Volume (l/ha) Pressure (bar) Speed (kph) LERAP Rating Drift Reduction Comments
3D nozzle
3D 83-06		 200 2.1 12 *** Up to 1.0 bar (alternating fwd & bkw) N/A Ideal spray conditions ONLY. Low pressures under LERAP conditions
3D 83-05 200 2.1 10 N/A N/A -
90% drift reducing nozzle
3D ninety
80-05		 200 2.0 10 **** Up to 5.0 bar 90% up to 5.0 bar Top recommendation for 90% drift reduction and good efficacy
Lechler ID120/03 100 2.1 12 *** Up to 8.0 bar 90% Delivers 90% drift reduction at 100 l/ha

Weather

The biggest influence on drift is the wind speed, ideal wind conditions are force 2 on the Beaufort scale. Higher speeds can cause spray to be carried away from its target. Avoid spraying in completely still conditions which could cause spray to hang in the air. Double the wind speed; double the drift.

Forward speed

Excessive speeds can lead to decreased boom stability and create turbulence behind the boom, which may lead to increased drift and reduced product efficacy. The optimum speed for applying pre-emergence herbicides in 2016 trials was below 12 kph, this delivered the best balance of work rate and efficacy.

Boom height

With a steady forward speed, the next step is to ensure correct boom height. In trials reducing the boom from 100cm above the crop to 50cm efficacy went up from 70% to 87% control. To aid stable and correct boom height ensure correct tyre pressure, grease the boom suspension, lubricate bushes and bearings and check wear, attach a cable tie to the boom which guides 50cm boom height, set-up sensitivity of boom-levelling system for minimal drift.

Nozzles

Coarse to extra coarse droplet size will reduce drift further. Current application work has shown strong performance from 90% drift reduction nozzles, proving drift reduction doesn't have to compromise efficacy.

Ongoing trials work allows us to continually update our best application advice to fit with the changing agronomic and environmental landscape. The 3D Nozzles still remain a class leading nozzle for efficacy against grassweeds, however their drift reduction operating pressures are low, therefore in sub optimal conditions, a drift reduction nozzle with higher operating pressures should be used. We have seen that Drift Reduction Nozzles can also offer the same level of controls as the 3D.

If using 3D Nozzles, it is important to choose a Nozzle with a larger orifice size which will allow you to apply higher water volumes with coarser droplet to minimise drift.

In ever more challenging grass-weed conditions 200 l/ha has been shown to give better results, compared to 100 l/ha that had previously worked effectively.
Advancing the Art of Application

Important: Please refer to product labels for specific water volumes. Growers can reduce water volumes as long as they adhere to the HSE/DEFRA Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products (paragraph 4.6.4, page 81).

Use plant protection products safely. Always read and follow label instructions.

Meet the Spray Dudes

Syngenta’s hands-on team using sketches, props and a lot of water to explain the fundamentals. They get messy so your spraying doesn’t:

  • Reduce drift and keep product where it works
  • Achieve complete, even soil coverage
  • Optimise nozzles, pressure, speed and water volume
Watch on YouTube
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