Spot Treatments for Herbicides

Using spot treatments for patches of weeds is an important part of integrated weed management to reduce weed pressure in the long-term. Here is some equipment that can be used to apply spot treatments:

Hand sprayer

• Used for small areas
• Can be used for any pesticide; for either PRE or POST herbicides
• Recommend separate sprayers for herbicides esp. 2,4-D and glyphosate
• Need to calibrate - see infosheet on Calibrating Hand Sprayers
• For glyphosate, mix 1 to 2 L product/100 L water (1-2% solution)
• Many models available
• Use even flat fan nozzles for uniform coverage (PRE) or flood jet nozzles for larger droplets

Hand sprayer

Hand spray nozzle

Wick wiper

• Used for emerged weeds
• Only glyphosate is registered for wick wipers
• Several models available eg. Hockey stick, U-shaped rope
• Do NOT test with water alone - will prevent wetting
• Fill with 33% solution (1L product/2L water); massage with glove to wet fabric or rope; bag after use and leave wet for later use
• Wait for optimum timing for perennial weeds

Wick wiper

Ropewick

Wick wiper head

Dripper/Selector

• Used for emerged weeds
• Only glyphosate is registered for spot applications
• Mix a 7-10% solution (1L product/ 15-10 L water)
• Drip 0.1 to 0.2 mL per plant
• Wand available in 2 lengths
• Tip: Avoid jamming the wand into the ground

Dripper/selector

Dripper/selector nozzle

Flamer

• Uses intense heat to kill vegetation
• Works quickly; need to move flamer at higher speeds
• Most effective on annual weeds; perennials require re-treatment
• Repeat treatments alters weed populations over time
• Can flame weeds that emerge before the crop
• Generally uses propane
• Use reliable equipment for operator safety
• Avoid wild fire under dry conditions

Using a flamer to kill vegetation

Cautions:

• Check preharvest interval (PHI)
• Avoid contact with non-target plants
• Use nitrile gloves, rubber boots and spray suit

| Top of Page |