Vegetables Application
Vegetables are a high input crop requiring multiple applications throughout the season. Nozzle selection is vital especially with the wide range of different shapes and surfaces that chemical is applied on. Herbicide application is often when the crop is small and therefor coverage is vital.
Herbicide Application
| Timing | Water volume (l/ha)* | Best nozzle | Reduced drift option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-emergence good seed bed | 200 | 3D ninety alternating forward and back | 3D ninety alternating forward and back | An AMISTAR nozzle produces 40 drops/cm2 |
| Pre-emergence cloddy seed bed | 200-400 | 3D ninety alternating forward and back | 3D ninety alternating forward and back | Cloddy seedbeds reduce weed control. Even coverage on both sides of clod achieved with angled nozzles |
| Post-emergence soil applied | 200-400 | Syngenta vegetable nozzle 06 or 08 | AMISTAR nozzle | Narrow angle fan best for reducing spray retained on crop leaves |
| Graminicide | 100-200 | 3D nozzle spraying forwards and backwards | AMISTAR nozzle | Angled sprays typically double the spray retained on grass weeds |
| Broad-leaved weeds | 100-200 | 3D nozzle spraying forwards and backwards | 3D ninety alternating forward and back | Increasing water volume increases droplet size reducing spray retention on crops such as alliums |
Insecticide and Fungicide Application
Cabbage
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.
| Growth stage | Water volume (l/ha)* | Best nozzle | Reduced drift option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small open | 100-200 | AMISTAR nozzle | AMISTAR nozzle | Run-off is the enemy of small plants |
| Hearted | 300-800 | Syngenta vegetable nozzle 06 or 08 | AMISTAR nozzle |
Brussels Sprouts
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.
| Growth stage | Water volume (l/ha)* | Best nozzle | Reduced drift option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small open | 100-200 | AMISTAR nozzle | AMISTAR nozzle | Run-off is the enemy of small plants |
| Large | 300-500 | Lechler ID3 120-05 | Lechler ID3 120-05 | For deposition onto the buttons and lower leaves we recommend Lechler ID3 120-05, 300 l/ha, consider using an approved adjuvant oil, especially when crops have significant wax |
Onions
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.
| Growth stage | Water volume (l/ha)* | Best nozzle | Reduced drift option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 100-200 | 3D ninety alternating forward and back | 3D ninety alternating forward and back | Coverage, run-off and missing the target are the problems of onions. Angled nozzles increase coverage and deposition |
| Large | 200 | 3D ninety alternating forward and back | 3D ninety alternating forward and back | Using air induction nozzles increases droplet size and increases penetration and coverage deeper in the crop canopy. Consider using an approved adjuvant which can help increase coverage and deposition |
Carrots
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.
| Growth stage | Water volume (l/ha)* | Best nozzle | Reduced drift option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 100-200 | 3D nozzle or Syngenta potato nozzle 04 or 05 | AMISTAR nozzle | Carrots are good at catching spray. Angling nozzles e.g. Twin Cap will give best results |
| Large | 300-400 | Syngenta vegetable nozzle 06 or 08 | Syngenta vegetable nozzle 06 or 08 | 65 degree fan the best for penetrating to crown |
Lettuce
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.
| Growth stage | Water volume (l/ha)* | Best nozzle | Reduced drift option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small open | 100-200 | AMISTAR nozzle | AMISTAR nozzle | Run-off is the enemy of small plants |
| Hearted | 300-800 | Syngenta vegetable nozzle 06 or 08 | Syngenta vegetable nozzle 06 or 08 |
Leeks
Leek crops can be hard to target with a large amount of run off meaning that high water volumes are vital.
| Growth stage | Water volume (l/ha)* | Best nozzle | Reduced drift option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 100 | 3D nozzle, angle spray forwards and backwards | 3D ninety alternating forward and back | Coverage, run-off and missing the target are the problems of leeks. Angled spray important. High volumes = run-off. If targeting thrips in shaft use the AMISTAR nozzle. The addition of an adjuvant also helps |
| Large | 200-300 | Syngenta potato nozzle 04 or 05 | 3D ninety alternating forward and back | Angle spray forwards and backwards |
Cauliflower
Cauliflower crops change throughout the season with run off being the major concern it is important use the correct nozzle.
| Growth stage | Water volume (l/ha)* | Best nozzle | Reduced drift option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small pre-curd | 200-300 | Syngenta potato nozzle 05 | AMISTAR nozzle | Run-off is the enemy of small plants |
| Developing curds | 200-300 | Syngenta potato nozzle 05 or Syngenta vegetable nozzle 06 | Syngenta vegetable nozzle 06 or 08 | If leaves are the target use the potato nozzle, if curds are the target use the vegetable nozzle |
Asparagus
Asparagus is a small target to hit in the field therefore accuracy is key make sure that the nozzles allow for maximum results.
| Growth stage | Water volume (l/ha)* | Best nozzle | Reduced drift option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fern application | 250-350 | Twin Cap Syngenta vegetable nozzle and standard flat fan nozzle alternating or a dropleg sprayer with standard flat fan nozzle | AMISTAR nozzle | Keep water volume below 350 l/ha to avoid run-off |
Courgettes
Courgettes come in a varying sizes and require optimum coverage of application as run off is a major concern.
| Growth stage | Water volume (l/ha)* | Best nozzle | Reduced drift option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small plants pre-fruit | 200 | Standard flat fan nozzle | AMISTAR nozzle | Run-off is the enemy of small plants |
| Large fruiting plants | 200-300 | Standard flat fan nozzle or Droplegs with standard nozzle | AMISTAR nozzle |
Applications through fleece
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.
| Water volume (l/ha)* | Best nozzle | Reduced drift option |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | Syngenta vegetable nozzle 06 | Syngenta vegetable nozzle 06 or 08 |
*Please refer to the product label for water volumes. Growers can reduce water volumes as long as they adhere to the HSE/DEFRA Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products. Please refer to paragraph 4.6.4, page 81 of the HSE/DEFRA Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products.