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Help at hand to optimise spray systems this season

New and updated spray resources are available on the GRDC website. These include a video with Queensland-based spray contractor Russell Fuhlbohm and spray specialist Bill Gordon about managing spray drift.
Photo: Anvil Media

Northern region croppers have access up-to-date advice on spray systems and regulations.

Queensland and New South Wales grain growers and spray operators now have access to up-to-date resources to help ensure their spray systems are operating to their full potential and in accordance with regulations.

GRDC Senior Manager Biosecurity and Regulation, Ken Young says a range of resources are available on the GRDC Spray Drift web page to support growers and spray operators with the very latest, best practice advice and guidance.

This includes a six-part GRDC Spray Application video series, featuring spray specialist Bill Gordon, discussing a range of topics. Some examples are below, including one featuring Queensland-based spray contractor Russell Fuhlbohm.

The videos in the series cover latest advice about:

  • 2,4-D label changes
  • A spray contractor's experience managing spray drift
  • Maximising spray coverage
  • Maximising spray efficiency
  • Nozzle selection for larger droplets
  • Weather conditions and the 2,4-D label.

"Spray application is an integral activity in grain operations and one that requires careful planning, preparation and implementation," Dr Young says.

He says the updated GRDC Spray Drift web page offers guidelines about:

  • How to mitigate spray drift risk
  • Weather implications in spray application
  • Nozzle selection
  • Application and equipment
  • State and Territory-regulatory contacts.

"It also has information about how to comply with instructions recently implemented by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), which changes the application requirements of 2,4-D herbicides," he says.

The APVMA has suspended the labels of all products containing the active ingredient 2,4-D, replacing them with a permit. The permit will stay in place until the conclusion of a current 2,4-D review.

Spray application is an integral activity in grain operations and one that requires careful planning, preparation and implementation. - GRDC Senior Manager Biosecurity and Regulation, Dr Ken Young

Under the permit, there are changes to the 'directions for use' for 2,4-D including:

  • Changes to application technique
  • Spray quality and the observance of mandatory no-spray buffer zones
  • Increased requirements for detailed record-keeping.

Revised and recently developed GRDC resources available on the web page include:

There are several other industry resources with information about the new APVMA instructions and how to mitigate spray drift risk.

GRDC Research Code: BGC1811-001SAX

More Information: Ken Young, GRDC Senior Manager Biosecurity and Regulation, 02 6166 4520, ken.young@grdc.com.au

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