Maintaining efficacy with larger droplets - New 2,4-D application requirements

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) recently made the decision to suspend the labels of all products containing the active ingredient 2,4-D and replace them with a permit (effective 4 October 2018). The permit requires that all products containing this active ingredient must now be applied with a Very Coarse spray quality or coarser. In sensitive areas there is also an advisory statement to use an Extremely Coarse or Ultra Coarse spray quality over summer.

Key points

• Growers and spray operators need to check if their current nozzle meets the new APVMA 2,4-D application requirements (effective 4 October 2018)
• Using Very Coarse or coarser spray qualities may require an increase in the total application volume to maintain efficacy
• To maintain efficacy when increasing the droplet size, operators must ensure that spray coverage on the target weeds is adequate, water quality is suitable and robust product label rates are used
• Always use robust rates according to label instructions