Fourth Edition. The Sugarcane Manual

Transcription

1 Fourth Edition The Sugarcane Manual

2 HERBICIDES HERBICIDE 720 HERBICIDE INSECTICIDES FUNGICIDES ADJUVANTS 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Weed Management Plan for Sugarcane Herbicide Product Profiles Herbicide Program for Sugarcane Insecticide Recommendations Insecticide Product Profiles Insecticide Program for Sugarcane Fungicide Recommendations Fungicide Product Profiles Fungicide Program for Sugarcane Adjuvant Product Profiles...33 This publication is a guide only and no substitute for professional or expert advice. Refer to the label for: Recommended rates of application. All critical comments. Safety precautions. 3

4 1. WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SUGARCANE 1. Weed Management Plan for Sugarcane The effects of weed competition on yields has been well documented in many sugar producing countries. The results of SRA trials in Queensland indicate that losses of $100 per week can occur for the first 6-8 weeks of plant and ratoon cane. The potential to optimise yields from large investments in land levelling, improvements in drainage, irrigation, plant nutrition, planting techniques are often lost due to ineffective weed management. Weed control is a component of the farm management program which requires a long term approach rather than a reactionary approach. The objective of the long term approach is to be in control of weed competition by eliminating or reducing the significance of a particular weed or weeds in general. The objective of the short term approach is to remove a re-occurring problem after it presents itself, usually after the problem is well established and has had a significant effect in reducing yields. The planned approach considers the following points: 1) Start eliminating weeds in the fallow. 2) Ensure all weeds and particularly the perennials do not get established in the emerging plant crop. 3) Maintain a weed free plant crop. 4) Control all weeds before they set a seed head to reduce the seed bank in the soil. 5) Avoid crop losses from weed competition in ratoons by maintaining a weed free crop for the first six weeks. This will ensure a return on investment in the cost of applying herbicides. 6) Avoid unnecessary cultivation practices which invert the soil thus bringing up new weed seeds into the germinating zone. Where this long term approach has been implemented weed populations have been reduced to the extent that only one application of a knockdown herbicide was required in the second ratoon crop. Where the short term approach is practiced it is a lose, lose situation. Not only is income reduced from lower yields but the cost of removing mature weeds is higher as high rates of more expensive herbicides are necessary. Herbicides 2.1 PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDES: Atradex, Barrage, Rifle 440, Spark 240, TriflurX, Tomahawk, ametryne Pre-emergent herbicides destroy the weed seed as it germinates within the treated band of soil during the expected life of the herbicide. Best results are obtained when these herbicides are applied to moist, cool, bare soil. Incorporation into the top 5-10cm of soil is necessary for the herbicide to make contact with the germinating seeds. Rainfall and overhead irrigation are the ideal methods of incorporation for all preemergent herbicides, while mechanical incorporation is also suitable for most pre-emergents and critical for TriflurX. A few large seeded broadleaved weeds can germinate below the treated band of soil and continue to grow through the chemical barriers. Grass seeds that have started to germinate prior to the application of a pre-emergent herbicide may establish a root system below the treated band and may not be affected by the herbicide. 2.2 CONTACT HERBICIDES: Shirquat 250, ametryne, Agtryne MA, Daconate 720 Contact herbicides have limited mobility within the plant and normally do not move far from the point of entry. Best results are obtained when applied to targets less than 5cm in height or length. Attention has to be given to spray volumes and droplet size as total coverage and retention of the droplets on the target are the critical factors for success. Seedling weeds are more susceptible than mature plants as they are soft, growing actively and have little or no food reserves. The rate of chemical and water volumes need to be increased as these targets grow larger. Always add Shirwet 600 or BS1000 to contact herbicides. Perennial grasses are quite tolerant to contact herbicides and will require split applications approximately days apart where non-selective systemic herbicides such as Gladiator cannot be used. Agtryne MA displays good knockdown activity on a wide range of broadleaved weeds, Convolvulus vines and difficult vines such as prickly cucumber. A tank mix of Atradex and 2,4-D Amine is also effective on most broadleaf weeds and vines. Total coverage is necessary to obtain good results. 2.3 TRANSLOCATED HERBICIDES: 2,4-D Amine 625, Comet 400, Gladiator, Thistle-Killem, Zephyr Translocated herbicides are absorbed through the leaves and stems of plants and transported freely throughout the entire system. Although their action is slower than contact herbicides, they are more effective on perennial targets. The 2,4-D s are selective to cane while Gladiator is non selective. Gladiator s strong activity on perennial grasses, nutgrass, wild sorghum and a range of broadleaf weeds makes it a useful tool in managing weeds in fallows, on crop perimeters, on creek banks and in drains. NB. Ensure Gladiator sprays do not contact green cane foliage as injury will occur. When vines are present add Zephyr or Comet to the spray solution. Gladiator has shown to be effective as a spray-out of the last crop. Fallow Management The fallow period is usually utilised to correct cultural issues such as levelling, improving drainage, installing underground irrigation pipes, and correcting nutrient problems. The benefits of weed management in the fallow is now widely recognised. Where the mono culture of a grass crop such as sugarcane is practiced, planting a legume crop during the fallow period offers many benefits and the opportunity to improve productivity. The benefits to the soil from a legume crop are: Increased nitrogen content. Increased levels of organic matter. Increases moisture infiltration. Increased moisture retention capacity. Reduce the level of soil erosion. Improves soil structure. 4

5 1. WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SUGARCANE The benefits of maintaining a fallow free of grass weeds and volunteer cane are: Reduces the incidence of perennial grasses and nutgrass. Reduces the seed bank in the soil. Reduces the weed competition in plant cane. Reduces the level of soil pathogens eg. Pachymetra. Reduces the level and spread of ratoon stunting disease. Soil erosion can be a disadvantage if storms occur between land preparation and the establishment of the legume crop. There are two options to establish grass free legume fallows. Option 1 Plough out and remove the crop stubble. Fragment the rhizomes and stools of perennial grasses. Sow the legume seed. Spray out volunteer cane and fragmented regrowth of perennial grasses when 4-6 leaves are present with Exert at 750mL/ha. A vigorous legume crop should smother further germinations. Spray out the legume crop at flowering with 2,4-D to maximise Nitrogen fixation and to prevent volunteer legumes in the following crop. If grasses have re-established, spray-out with Gladiator instead of 2,4-D. Option 2 - Where perennial grasses and nutgrass persist Burn or rake off the trash blanket post harvest to ensure good coverage of emerging weeds. Allow the crop to re-shoot to a height of cm and sprayout the crop and the weeds with Gladiator. Time constraints will require the legume to be planted into the interspaces before the death of the crop. Grass escapes in the young legume crop can be controlled with Exert. Spray out the legume crop at flowering with 2.0L/ha 2,4-D followed by 1.6L - 2.4L/ha Shirquat days apart. Alternatively once over applications of either Comet or Gladiator + Nail 600 will be satisfactory but will take longer for brown out. Do not cultivate until planting is due to be undertaken. Managed Grass Fallows A strategy can be employed to prevent soil erosion, control perennial grasses and sugarcane in a standard grass fallow. A plant cane crop following a fallow can outperform a plough out, replant crop by 10% in the first year and by 7% over a four year cropping cycle. Where couch is a dominant problem a strategy has been adopted where the block is disced or rotary hoed to fragment the underground rhizomes into small sections approximately 5cm in length and then the new growth of couch is sprayed out with a low rate of Gladiator when the shoots have 4-6 leaves. Fragmenting the rhizomes stimulates the dormant eyes which provides the opportunity to take out the bulk of the underground sections of the weed as well as reducing the food reserve levels of the new plants. This strategy works well in controlling heavy infestations of nutgrass where the root strands between the nuts are broken by cultivation to simulate the germination of the majority of the nuts. The best result on nutgrass is achieved when spraying is undertaken when a high percentage of the nutgrass has set a seedhead. Nutgrass belongs to the sedge family of plants and needs to be treated differently to grasses. For optimum results on annual grasses, spraying should be carried out prior to the formation of a seedhead, as absorbed nutrients are being directed to the seed. Absorbed systemic herbicides such as Gladiator are consequently diverted to the seed instead of the growing point, which dilutes the overall effect of the herbicide. Perennial grasses can be sprayed in the later stages when nutrients are diverted to the underground tissue. Spray-out the old crop along with emerged weeds with 4-6L/ha of Gladiator OptiMAX when the crop is cm in height. Some cane varieties such as Q107, Q117 and Q127 display an erratic emergence pattern and may require a second application or a spot treatment when stragglers appear. Spraying out further germinations of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds with Shirquat 250 when the seed heads are in the soft doughy stage, will significantly reduce the population and the viability of seeds. To prevent soil erosion, conserve soil moisture, and minimise new germinations of weeds, avoid cultivation until planting is due to take place. To reduce the time necessary to break down green vegetation prior to planting, spraying out the existing vegetation with Shirquat 250 will desiccate annual grasses and weeds. Land preparation will be faster, have less clods and require fewer passes because the roots of the desiccated plants dry out as well, and release their hold on the soil. Whenever vines are present add 2,4-D to the Shirquat 250 at the ratio of 1 part 2,4-D Amine to 2 parts of Shirquat 250. Another useful strategy to stimulate the dormant eyes on rhizomes and dormant nuts to germinate is to use a split application of Gladiator 3 4 weeks apart. A sublethal initial application at half strength can break dormancy and the following half strength application will control the new shoots. Unmanaged Grass Fallows In unmanaged grass fallows there is the opportunity to reduce the bulk of vegetation present by spraying with Shirquat 250 at L/ha and obtain the benefits of: Reducing the time between land preparation and planting. Reducing the number of cultivations. Reducing the prospect of soil erosion. Reducing fungal levels in the soil. Retaining Nitrogen levels in the soil. Retaining moisture levels in the soil. Retaining better soil structure. Promoting a healthier plant crop. In most situations the grass and weeds present, prior to planting, are mature, past the seeding phase and exhibit little vigour which makes them difficult to control with a translocating herbicide like Gladiator. Nutgrass is the exception of the rule where best results from Gladiator are obtained when sprayed after the seed head is established. Where time permits the block may be slashed to allow the perennials to re-shoot and to be sprayed out with Gladiator when 40-60cm tall and actively growing. Because of its fast desiccant action on all green vegetation Shirquat 250 is the better choice in unmanaged fallows. For annual grasses and weeds one pass with 1.6L - 2.4L/ha of Shirquat 250 in 400L/ha of water will allow cultivation to commence 4 days after application with desiccation and root release occurring in that period. 5

6 1. WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SUGARCANE Applications of Shirquat 250 can be enhanced with Diurex at 0.5kg/ha, or Atradex at 1.0kg/ha Where fallow weeds are tall and dense, a split application of Shirquat 250 of 1.2L/ha followed by 1.2L/ha days apart in 400L of water will give a superior result. Always add 2,4-D Amine when vines are present and always include Shirwet 600 at 200mL or BS1000 at 120mL per 100L. When Shirquat 250 is used as an aid to cultivation planting can be completed within a week of spraying as land preparation can be reduced. On light soils one ripping plus two discings is satisfactory. This offers considerable savings in time, energy, and wear and tear on machinery as well as maximising available soil moisture to ensure a more vigorous and even strike. Where rainfall occurs after the final land preparation and weeds emerge prior to planting, spraying rather than cultivating will be more efficient and offers savings in time and soil structure. Seedling weeds require only a one hour interval between a Shirquat 250 treatment and planting. Larger and heavier weed situations will take 4 days to allow the plants to desiccate and allow the roots to loosen their grip on the soil. Plant Cane The high cost of establishing a plant crop is an incentive to foster a healthy plant crop, free of pest disease and weed competition, which will subsequently perform vigorously throughout the successive ratoon crops. Where perennial grasses are noticed during land preparation a strategy has been developed to minimise their establishment and their impact on the new crop. Cultivation will fragment the rhizomes and stools of these grasses and stimulate the emergence of the dormant eyes. If planting is delayed at least two weeks this will allow these segments to grow 4-6 leaves when they can be sprayed with Gladiator prior to the emergence of the crop. In a plough out replant situation, volunteer cane will be removed as well. Avoid spraying the emerging crop. General Weed Control Options: 1) Treat the area with a pre-emergent herbicide mixture such as Rifle 440, ametryne, Atradex, Diurex, or TriflurX prior to planting or at the spike stage where the block has a history of weed problems. If vines are present use Atradex at the rate of 3.3kg/ha. 2) A post emergent application of Shirquat 250 with or without a suitable residual is the preferred option. Application to young plant cane up to the 3 to 4 leaf stage has no adverse effect on crop yields. The alternative option is: 3) A post emergent application of ametryne and Atradex or ametryne + Agtryne MA over plant cane at any growth stage. Caution should be exercised with susceptible varieties. Grasses tolerant to ametryne and Atradex need to be considered. The addition of 0.5kg of Diurex may be necessary or the tank mix of ametryne and Agtryne MA may be the better alternative. 4) Maintaining a weed free plant crop will maximise yields and offset continuing weed competition in the ratoon crops. 5) Where heavy pressure from vigorous weeds such as guinea and hamil grasses are expected an initial treatment of a suitable pre-emergent grass herbicide such as Rifle 440 at planting followed by an application of Barrage after hill-up can eradicate these problems. Ratoon Crops The main objective of weed management in ratoon crops is to remain in control of weeds for at least the first six weeks or when the stools have reshot to a height of 60cm at the TVD (to the top of visible dewlap or top growth ring). Weeds sprayed during the seedling to early tillering growth stages can effectively to be controlled with low rates of herbicides, thus reducing input costs. Weeds that have grown beyond 5cm and are well established, are more resistant, harder to wet and require high rates of herbicide mixtures. During dry conditions farmers can mistakenly believe that emerged weeds are not a threat and an investment in a herbicide treatment is not warranted. In reality weed competition trials have shown that 6 summer grasses per m 2 in dry conditions reduced yields by 16% before the cane reached a height of 40-60cm to the top visible growth ring. As Shirquat 250 has good activity under stress conditions, this is ideal timing to retain control of weeds with a low cost investment. Rainfall will quickly stimulate stressed weeds and promote active growth. In most cases weeds have matured before machinery can enter the block and then the weeds are out of control. Post harvest applications of pre-emergent herbicides are not necessary in ratoons except where vigorous grasses with a large seed bank can dominate the new crop. The best timing for a pre-emergent herbicide such as Barrage and Spark is at the out of hand stage, when shading from the crop canopy can ensure a satisfactory residual life. This action will reduce further germinations and prevent grasses, broadleafs and vines producing seed, making harvesting more efficient, as well as controlling noxious weeds. Shirquat 250 and tank mixes based on Shirquat 250 will provide reliable weed control in ratoon crops in most situations. The Irvin spray boom fitted with the 6 nozzle spray bars is the most suitable equipment to provide accurate targeting of the weeds and directed spraying through the base of the stool. Where wet conditions prevent the operation of ground equipment, a mixture of ametryne and Atradex with 2,4-D or ametryne and Agtryne MA are best suited for aerial applications. 6

7 1. WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SUGARCANE Dryland Crops: All Stages A blanket spray of enhanced Shirquat 250 can be utilised on early ratoon crops to approximately 10cm in height. Apply Shirquat 250 as a directed spray with a choice of enhancement residual herbicide, after the crop is 10cm in height. 1.2L - 1.6L Shirquat g Diurex L 2,4-D Amine per hectare is the most widely used tank mixture to control vines, broadleaved weeds and grasses to 10cm in height, two spraying s per season are normally adequate. For best results with residuals apply at the out of hand stage or when rainfall is imminent. Irrigated Ratoons Post harvest In crops cut burnt, irrigate immediately behind the harvester to stimulate weed germination with the crop. The emerging crop will take approximately 6 weeks to establish a new rooting system, so fertilising is not as urgent as being in control of weeds post harvest. When the weeds are less than 5cm in height, use the low rate of enhanced Shirquat 250 to: (i) Spray out the stool area, when cultivation will follow OR (ii) Spray out the entire area where zero cultivation is practiced. After the fertiliser is applied and other necessary tillage operations have been completed, and the block has been irrigated, maintain a weed free environment with enhanced Shirquat 250 as required. Add 2,4-D to the mixture when vines are present. Out of Hand Stage For long term weed control apply the optimum rate of Barrage with Shirquat 250. Rifle 440 can also be utilised at this stage where vigorous grasses, such as guinea grass, are the dominant problem. Apply Rifle 440 to bare soil for best results. Headland Spraying on Cane Farms Spraying weeds and grasses on the edges of headlands and perimeters of cane blocks has proven to be more beneficial than slashing with increases in efficiency and time saved. Sprayed edges can remain weed free from several weeks to several months depending on the amount of residual herbicide used. Slashing is repetitive and usually carried out when the weeds are well advanced and if conditions are wet, results in wheel tracks and rough surfaces. Headland Edge Sprayers which attach readily to existing spray booms make the work less tiring than holding a spray gun. These sprayers reduce the amount of time taken and the amount of chemical used. These headland sprayers are fitted with a large off-centre nozzle and can project the spray 3 metres into the interspaces when operated at 4 bar (60 psi), at a height determined by the height of the boom. When two standard fan nozzles are operating beside the off-centre jet a weed free strip in excess of 1 metre is made beside the crop. Besides preventing encroachment, and off-setting yield losses from weed competition on the verges of the crop, a wide bare strip of soil can assist in reducing the incidence of rats in the cane. Rats resist exposing themselves in bare areas and are therefore less likely to enter the treated blocks, especially where good in-crop weed control is practised. A tank mixture of Shirquat 250 herbicide plus Diurex WG and 2,4-D as a directed spray provides positive and effective control of annual grasses and weeds which compete with the crop for light, moisture and nutrients within and outside the crop. When using this tank mixture through a headland edge sprayer a minimum of litres of water is required for each hectare sprayed. Because Shirquat 250 is a knockdown herbicide, a water volume to ensure total coverage of the target weeds is the key requirement which will provide the desired results. The recommended rates for perimeter spraying are 1.6L Shirquat kg Barrage + 1.0L Zephyr per hectare. Always add Shirwet 600 at 200mL/100L or BS1000 at 120mL/100L. If applying to light soils reduce the rate of Barrage to 0.5kg/ha. Where 400L of water per hectare is used, the mixture per 100L is as follows: 400mL Shirquat g Barrage + 250mL 2,4-D + 200mL Shirwet 600. On sloping ground where bare soil may create an erosion problem, allow the grasses to establish a strong rooting system before spraying and reduce the rate of barrage to 200g/ha in the mixture so the rooting system will remain intact and provide stability. Perennial weed control Gladiator herbicide is a better alternative to Shirquat 250 to prevent the encroachment of perennial grasses such as couch, para (pannikin), and guinea, into the crop. Gladiator can be tank mixed with soil active herbicides like Barrage if a residual effect is required. If vines are present add 2,4-D to the Gladiator at 1.0L/ha plus ammonium sulphate. As Gladiator is a systemic herbicide, water volumes can be reduced to 100L/ha for optimum results. Gladiator will benefit from the addition of BS1000 at the rate of 120mL per 100L. To avoid the possibility of crop damage from Gladiator, ensure the spray solution does not make contact with the green leaves of the crop. In some instances it may be necessary to burn off lower leaves of the crop with Shirquat 250 prior to spraying Gladiator. Strategies for the Restricted Use of Atradex in Sugarcane The annual application rate of Atrazine has been restricted to 3.0kg of active ingredient per hectare. Strategies will need to be implemented on some cane farms to meet this requirement. Where Atrazine is used as a pre-emergent herbicide in cane blocks with a history of vines and broadleaved weeds, the best strategy is to apply Atradex post planting at the maximum rate of 3.3kg/ha. This use pattern requires the utilisation of other herbicides such as Tomahawk to remove vines and weeds in the later growth stages of the crop. Consideration needs to be given to soil types. Similar to all residual herbicides, Atrazine is more active in light soils than heavier types due to the tie up with clay particles. Atradex can provide 8-10 weeks control of soft broadleaves such as bluetop (billygoat weed) and blackberry nightshade with a preemergent application of 2.2kg/ha in light soils. This provides the opportunity to use another 1.1kg at a different growth stage. On heavy soils Barrage is a very effective pre-emergent herbicide to control grasses, broadleaved weeds and vines at 3.0kg/ha applied at the out of hand stage. 7

8 1. WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SUGARCANE Strategies for the Restricted Use of Atradex in Sugarcane (continued) CAUTION DO NOT USE THIS RATE OF BARRAGE ON LIGHT SOILS AS CROP INJURY CAN OCCUR. Rainfall or irrigation is required within 10 days of application of Atradex. Consider using LV Ester 680 in areas where horticultural activity does not exist. Use an alternative product such as Comet. Tank mixed with 2,4-D Amine. Where mature cane is burdened with mature vines alternate products such as Comet should be considered for aerial and over the top application to the canopy. Barrage and Spark are best options to control vines and broadleaf weeds in Green Cane Trash Blankets where vines germinate continuously at all growth stages of the crop. Agtryne MA is the most suitable post-emergent herbicide to control vines and broadleaf weeds in plant and ratoon cane at all stages of growth where a ground rig can provide total coverage. Agtryne MA does not require to be tank mixed with other herbicides unless bluetop, grasses and woody weeds are present at the time of spraying. Plant cane In situations where vines and difficult broadleaved weeds require two pre-emergent applications, a strategy of using Atradex in the early growth stage of the crop because of its good crop safety, and applying Tomahawk or Barrage or Spark at or after the out of hand stage would be useful. On lighter soils a reduced rate of Tomahawk has given good results, and will give some flexibility in the use of Atradex at the later stages of the crop. Agtryne MA alone or tank mixes of Agtryne MA are suitable alternatives to replace Atradex in this situation. Alternative postemergent mixes to Atradex + 2,4-D are Comet + 2,4-D Amine 625; Thistle-Killem + Comet; Agtryne MA alone or in combination with ametryne and/or Comet. In the event of trash blankets breaking down, the ensuring grass escapes will require a tank mixture based on Shirquat 250. NB. All treatments should include Shirwet 600 at 200mL/100L or BS1000 at 120mL/100L of solution. NB. If crop oils are added, the full rate of surfactant is still required. Sugarcane - Growth Stages Germination & Establishment Phase Tillering Phase Grand Growth Period Ripening Phase 8

9 2. HERBICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES HERBICIDE ACTIVE CONSTITUENT: 625g/L 2,4-D present as the diethanolamine and triethanolamine salt Can be applied over the top of sugarcane at any growth stage with the exception of certain varieties. Effective knockdown on ipomea and Convolvulus vines and a range of broadleaf weeds. Classified as non-volatile - vapour drift is negligible. Classified as low odour. Formulation is structured on two salts, diethanolamine and triethanolamine which produce less odour than the dimethylamine salt. Suitable for aerial applications. Compatible with Shirquat, Diurex, Atradex, Gramoxone, Revolver, Daconate, Tomahawk, ametryne. Requires good coverage and retention on target plants. Spray drift can cause damage to susceptible crops and desirable plants. Do not spray cane varieties Q63,Q67, Q80 or Q96. Can be used alone when broadleaf weeds and vines are soft and lush. Tank mix with Atradex to control as weeds harden and as vines mature. Increase application rates to 3.3kg Atradex L 2,4-D Amine 625 to control woody weeds and mature vines. Tank mix with Shirquat 250 and Diurex when grasses are present and apply as a directed spray. When ground equipment is impractical, aerial applications are advantageous when applied to young crops and seedling weeds, and good coverage can be achieved. Spray alone when susceptible weeds are soft and actively growing. Adjust nozzle height and water volumes to ensure total coverage of the target weeds and vines. Add Shirwet at the rate of 300mL/100L of spray solution. Increase application rates when adverse growing conditions are encountered and when target plants are flowering. Tank mix with Atradex to broaden the spectrum of susceptible weeds and for consistent results when weeds have grown beyond the soft stem stage. ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 275g/L terbutryne 160g/L MCPA potassium salt Very effective two way action on Convolvulus vines. Excellent post-emergent activity on most broadleaf weeds. Fast action - brownout in 14 days. Good crop safety. Overcomes the restrictions on repetitive applications of atrazine. Can be applied close to in-field drains and waterways. Can be applied aerially when crops and weeds are small. Active in water with ph of 8. Can be applied close to horticultural crops without phenoxy vapour damage. Can be tank mixed with ametryne to control a wide range of grasses. A tank mix of Agtryne MA + ametryne is effective on green summer grass. Bluetop is tolerant and requires a tank mix with either ametryne or Diurex. Suspension concentration formulation will require agitation in the drum prior to measuring. Do not apply to stressed plants. Not suitable for aerial applications to mature vines in mature crops. Requires attention to good application techniques. Requires overall coverage and good retention. Use when temperatures exceed 22 C. Always add Shirwet 200mL or 120mL/100L. Plant cane Can be used to remove broadleaf weeds and vines as a blanket application or directed spray at any growth stage of the crop. Useful as a tank mix with ametryne to control grass and broadleaf competition after the crop has passed the 4 leaf stage and where directed spraying equipment is not available to use Shirquat 250. Can be applied aerially to young crops when ground equipment is impracticable. Ratoon cane Best fit is to control vines and broadleaf weeds in Green Cane Trash Blankets at any growth stage of the crop through ground equipment. Suitable to control vines and broadleaf weeds in Burnt Cane Trash Blankets at any growth stage of the crop through ground rigs. A tank mix with ametryne is beneficial where the scorching effect of Shirquat 250 is unacceptable. A tank mix of 4.0L Agtryne MA + 3.7L ametryne is effective on most grasses at varying sizes in situations where Shirquat 250 is unacceptable. Can be applied to young crops aerially when ground equipment is impracticable and where good coverage is practical. WATER VOLUME EXAMPLES Target weeds <5cm: L. Ideal nozzle: flat fan Target weeds 5-10cm: L. Ideal nozzle: flat fan Target weeds >10cm: Where water volumes need to exceed 200L/ha consideration should be given to Spraying Systems TwinJet nozzles. A TwinJet will produce the same size droplets as a flat fan and double the volume.there will be more smaller droplets for the same volume of spray solution which will provide more effective coverage and maximise retention on the target. TwinJet - 06 at 2.5 bar & 6.5kph delivers 400L/ha. COMPATIBILITY: In sugarcane, Agtryne MA may be tank mixed with Shirwet 600, BS1000 wetter and 2,4-D Amine. 9

10 2. HERBICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 900g/kg atrazine Versatile pre or early post emergent herbicide. Good photo stability. Does not leach. Safe to sugarcane in all situations. High rates provide long term weed control. A tank mix with 2,4-D controls most broadleaved weeds and vines. Good activity on pigweed. Can be applied aerially. Limited or no effect on grasses pre and post emergent. Volatile in hot soils. 60% loss from sandy soils in 72 hours at 45ºC. 30% loss from clay soils in 72 hours at 45ºC. Less active in soils with low PH. Thorough coverage is required for post-emergence activity. Poor activity on brachiaria and panicum grasses. Do not irrigate for 2 days post pre-emergent applications. Adjust water volumes to ensure thorough coverage and emerged targets. Do not lower the recommended rates for both pre-emergence and post emergence applications. Do not apply to unprotected light soils in summer when soil temperatures can exceed 40ºC. Residual life is reduced on soils known to have a low ph. Plant cane Atradex s strength is to broaden the spectrum of grass active pre-emergent herbicides such as Diurex, Rifle 440 and TriflurX to control broadleaved weeds and vines. Suitable to enhance Shirquat 250 where the use of Diurex is undesirable. High rates of Atradex can provide several weeks pre-emergence control of barnyard and crowsfoot grasses. The higher rate of 3.3kg/ha applied at the out of hand stage with Shirquat 250 and Diurex will control susceptible weeds for weeks. RATOON CANE Green cane trash blanket Where broadleaved weeds are dominant in trash blankets, a tank mixture of 2.2kg Atradex and 1.0L of 2,4-D Amine + Shirwet displays good activity on established weeds and vines. Where repetitive applications are necessary refer to the strategies for restricted use of Atradex in sugarcane. Agtryne MA and Tomahawk are ideal replacements. Repetitive applications may be necessary to control subsequent germinations which exceed the permitted volume of 3.3kg/ha per annum. Add Shirquat 250 when grasses are present. BURNT CANE Use post-harvest either alone or with a grass selective preemergent to control expected germinations of broadleaved weeds and vines. Add Shirquat 250 where emerged grass weed are present. Suitable to enhance Shirquat 250 at 1.0kg/ha where the use of Diurex is undesirable. Should be used with other knockdown herbicides where pigweed is present or replace with Agtryne MA or Tomahawk alone weeks control of broadleaved weeds and vines can be achieved when the high rate of Atradex is applied at the out of hand stage and moderate soil temperatures exist. ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 468g/kg diuron 132g/kg hexazinone Provides weeks residual weed control. Photostable for several weeks. Broad spectrum - major grasses, broadleaf weeds and vines. Very active on difficult to control weeds. Excellent activity on heavy soils. Effective knockdown on large weeds mixed with Shirquat 250. Effective spot spray treatment to control stools of guinea grass. Hexazinone component is highly soluble and can move with surface water. Very active on desirable plants. Applications to the spindle will cause injury to the crop. Adjust residual rates to suit soil types. Not to be used on sandy soils. Spot spray guinea grass stools when minimum height is 15cm. Zealous spot spraying can damage cane stools. Earliest application to a plant crop is at or after the out-of-hand stage. Residual rates of Barrage cannot be applied in the wet tropics. No restrictions on the use of tank mixed with Shirquat 250 in all regions. Do not apply more than 4.0kg/ha during the season where permitted. Abide by the mandatory no-spray zones for Barrage. Applications to moist soils require 12-25mm of rain or overhead irrigation within 3-4 days for optimum results from the Diuron component. Applications to dry soils will require a minimum of 25-50mm of moisture for activation. Continuous agitation is critical. Add BS1000 to tank mixes with Shirquat at 0.25% - 0.5%. Plant cane Apply directed sprays of kg/ha to the row at or after the out-of-hand stage. Endeavour to restrict the area sprayed to 60% of the crop. Ensure the label use timings are observed for residual sprays. Spot spray stools of guinea grass at 1.0kg/100L. Directed sprays of Barrage and Shirquat 250 at rates of 530g + 1.2L - 1.6L control mature and difficult weeds to a height of 5cm. Directed sprays of Barrage and Shirquat 250 at rates of 900g + 1.2L - 1.6L control mature and difficult weeds to a height of 10cm. Ratoon cane Apply post- harvest prior to the emergence of the crop and weeds for both burnt cane trash blanket and green cane trash blanket situations or apply as a directed band spray of residual rates to the row at the out-of- hand stage within the label use timings. Endeavour to restrict the area sprayed to 60% of the crop. Spot spray stools of guinea grass at 1.0kg/100L. Directed sprays of Barrage and Shirquat 250 at rates of 530g + 1.2L - 1.6L control mature and difficult weeds to a height of 5cm. Directed sprays of Barrage and Shirquat 250 at rates of 900g + 1.2L - 1.6L control mature and difficult weeds to a height of 10cm. WATER VOLUME EXAMPLES Residual rates should be applied in a minimum of 250L/ha. Tank mixes to control weeds to 5cm in a minimum of 250L/ha. Tank mixes to control weeds to 10cm in a minimum of 350L/ha. 10

11 2. HERBICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES 720 HERBICIDE ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 720g/L MSMA ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 400g/L fluroxypyr Effective knockdown on mature giant paspalum and guinea grasses with split applications where weeds are as well grown as the crop. Contact herbicide with some systemic properties. Contains high levels of surfactant. Compatible with Diurex and 2,4-D. Requires hot dry conditions to work successfully, low humidity and air temperature in excess of 25ºC. Target plants need to have good vigour. Visual damage to the crop lasting 3 weeks to be expected - use directed sprays. Thorough coverage of the weed foliage is essential. Salvage situations with heavy infestations of wild sorghum, mature guinea and giant paspalum grasses where a plough out is to be avoided. Apply 3.3L Daconate + 0.5kg Diurex/ha in sufficient water to achieve thorough coverage. A repeat application of Daconate at 3.3L/ha with an interval of 3 weeks gives outstanding results. This does not replace Barrage for spot spraying isolated stools of guinea grass. Good agitation is essential. Spray when weeds are actively growing. Add Shirwet 600 at 100mL/100L water on mature targets. Spray only when hot, dry conditions persist. Add 1% crop oil when spraying wild sorghum. Very effective in controlling woody and mature broadleaf weeds. Very effective in controlling balsam pear. Can be applied to sugarcane from early tillering to maturity. Compatible with 2,4-D Amine, Atradex, MCPA, and Gladiator. Suitable for managing broadleaf weeds in grass fallows. Rainfast in 1 hour. Do not apply to stressed plants. Mix with 2,4-D Amine to control Convolvulus vines. Spray ratooning stinking passion flower vines at a minimum of 1m in length and ensure wetting of stems and foliage. Tank mix with Atradex to control milkweed and spray just before the close-in stage. Spray drift can cause damage to susceptible crops and desirable plants. Ensure thorough coverage of both foliage and stems to the point of run-off. Apply to target weeds from 2-3 leaf until flowering. For optimum weed control delay application until just before the close-in stage of the crop. Mix with Atradex to control milkweed. Spray when weeds are actively growing. Use BS1000 at 100mL/100L solution or Collide 700 at 300mL/100L solution. Use the recommended rates. Plant and ratoon cane Use Comet when broadleaf weeds have grown past the soft lush stages suitable for 2,4-D amines. Delay ground applications until the close-in stage. Aerial applications can be made after the out-of-hand stage and crop maturity. WATER VOLUME EXAMPLES Ground applications from L/ha. Aerial applications in a minimum of 60L/ha. 11

12 2. HERBICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 900g/kg diuron A broad spectrum pre-emergent herbicide which controls annual grasses, broadleaved weeds, and perennial grasses from seed. Provides good knock down activity on seedling weeds < 2cm. Compatible with Shirquat 250, Agtryne MA, ametryne, Atradex, and 2,4-D. Enhances the knockdown activity of Shirquat 250 on some broadleaved weeds and grasses that have grown beyond the optimum growth stage for Shirquat 250 alone. Enhances the knockdown activity of ametryne on difficult grass species such as green summer, guinea and paspalum, in the early post emergent stage. Residual rates of Diurex cannot be applied in the wet tropics. Abide by the mandatory no-spray when timings for the residual rate of Diurex. Abide by the mandatory no-spray timings for the residual rate of Diurex. Poor photo stability at high temperatures >25ºC. Requires >25mm rain or overhead irrigation within 3-4 days of application to ensure optimum results. Apply to moist soils. Half of the life of the product is lost if rainfall or irrigation is delayed for 10 days. Leaching can cause crop damage on sandy soils. The pre-emergent effect is lost if the chemical barrier in the soil is broken by cultivation or other means. Do not exceed 1.9kg Diurex 900 WDG in total in a twelve month period where residual rates are permitted. RATES OF APPLICATION The residual rate of 1.9kg/ha Diurex is suitable for loamy and heavy soils and is expected to provide 6 weeks control. Plant cane Diurex can be applied as a pre-emergent immediately after planting to the spike stage. Apply to moist soil as a blanket spray when rainfall is imminent. Form a shallow furrow and consolidate the walls to off-set slippage to the base of the drill. Plant and ratoon cane The main role of Diurex in sugarcane is to enhance the activity of Shirquat 250 on older, and difficult to kill weeds and grasses. Best strategy is to utilise Diurex as a pre-emergent application at the out of hand stage when the crop canopy can provide shading. Endeavour to restrict the area sprayed to 60% of the crop. Ensure the label use timings are observed for residual sprays. Restrict residual applications to 60% of the crop. When Diurex is used alone as an early post-emergent (weeds <2cm) add Shirwet 600 at the rate of 250mL/100L. As a pre-emergent, apply to moist soil and ensure rainfall or irrigation within 3 days of application for optimum results or 10 days maximum. Always add Shirwet 600 at 200mL/100L or BS1000 at 120mL/100L to the enhanced Shirquat 250 mixture. As an enhancement of Shirquat 250, adjust the rate of Diurex as weeds grow taller and denser. Grasses <5cm in height; Diurex 275g/ha + Shirquat 1.2L/ha in 250L/ha in water Grasses 10-15cm in height Diurex 500g/ha + Shirquat 1.6L/ha in 400L/ha of water If the weed populations are dense, the optimum rate of Diurex for weeds less than 15cm is 500g/ha. As an enhancement of ametryne, add Diurex at the rate of 0.5kg/ha. ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 520g/L haloxyfop present as the haloxyfop-r methyl ester For legume fallow crops. Highly active selective grass herbicide. Safe to apply to all broadleaf crops. Controls both annual and perennial grasses. Controls volunteer grass crops. Rainfast in 1 hour. Compatible with chlorpyrifos insecticide. Compatible with atrazine, Dictate 480 and simazine herbicides. Can be applied aerially. Spray drift will damage or kill neighboring sugarcane and other grass crops. Requires good continuous agitation. Spray drift will damage or kill neighboring sugarcane and other grass crops. Follow the mixing directions on the label. Do not add spray oil to tank mixes of Dictate 480 or Blazer when applied to soybean, navy bean or peanut crops. Do not use these tank mixes on cowpea. Do not graze soybean or cut for stock feed for 28 days after application. Spray when target weeds are actively growing. Adjust water volumes to achieve total coverage of target weeds. Essential to add Supercharge Elite at 0.5L/100L of solution where applicable. BS1000 can replace Supercharge Elite at 200mL/100L solution. FALLOW LEGUME CROPS Perennial grasses controlled at mL/ha. Annual grasses controlled at 200mL/ha. Spot spray at 50mL/100L on mature grasses. WATER VOLUME EXAMPLES Ground application: L/ha. Higher volumes required on mature target weeds. Aerial application: minimum of 30L/ha. 12

13 2. HERBICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 450g/L glyphosate as the isopropylamine salt Fully systemic herbicide. Has good activity on a wide spectrum of grasses, sedges and broad leaf plants. Suitable for both aerial and ground application. OPTIMUM CONDITIONS Use clean, soft water. Allow 6 hours for rainfastness. Spray actively growing target plants. Spray dust free target plants. Spraying out the last ratoon crop offers several benefits in a weed management programme. Reduces the incidence of perennial weeds. Reduces the weed seed bank in the soil. Reduces weed competition in the following crops. Reduces the incidence of Ratoon Stunting Disease. Offsets the possibility of soil erosion. Preserves moisture for the new plant crop. PERENNIAL WEEDS INCLUDING RATOONING CANE The best strategy to control perennial grass weeds is to make a concentrated effort during the fallow period. RATOON CANE SPRAYOUT Allow the cane to grow to a height of cm and spray the entire area with a blanket application of approximately 100L of solution per hectare. Most cane varieties are controlled by the perennial weed rate of L/ha. Some varieties such as Q107, Q117 and Q127 display an erratic emergence pattern and may require a second application or a spot treatment when stragglers appear. Alternatively, the old stools can be removed mechanically where soil erosion is not a concern and a strategic application of Gladiator can be utilised to control volunteer cane, perennial grasses, wild sorghum, some broadleafs, and suppress nut grass. HEADLANDS Perimeter spraying with Gladiator alone or as a mixture with a residual prevents the encroachment of vigorous perennial grasses such as para grass and couch. Avoid spraying young cane or making contact with the crop canopy with Gladiator, as crop injury will occur. The Irvin headland edge sprayer is a better option to the hand gun as it can be set to spray at a constant height to avoid contact with the cane leaves. Desiccating the lower portion of the crop with Shirquat 250 prior to the application of Gladiator is beneficial where suckering occurs or where lower leaves remain green. GENERAL WEED CONTROL Spraying out weeds with Gladiator reduces corrosion problems, fire hazards and harbourage areas for rodents along fence lines, around sheds and machinery stacks. GENERAL RATE OF APPLICATION Annuals: 800mL - 1.6L/ha. Use the high rate where the height of the weeds is greater than 15cm. Perennials: L/ha. Whenever vines are present, add 2,4-D at the rate of 1.0L/ha or 0.25L - 0.5L/100L water. Where the weed spectrum contains tolerant broadleafs tank mix with either Comet or Nail 600. Spray nutgrass after at least 20% of plants have set a seed head. Use Airmix nozzles that produce small droplets. Optimum nozzles - 110ºC flat fan size 015 or 02 Hardi equivalent size 12. Do not use tapered flat fan nozzles larger than 02. In a spray out situation, a spray rig fitted with flat fan nozzles 0.5m apart set at 2 bar (30 p.s.i.) and travelling at 6kph will provide an output of approximately 96L/ha. Travel slowly and avoid boom whip. Only use clean, soft water. Spray when conditions induce active growth. Do not spray when rain is imminent. Do not spray dust laden targets. 13

14 2. HERBICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 540g/L glyphosate present as the potassium salt Fully systemic herbicide. Has good activity on a wide spectrum of grasses, sedges and broad leaf plants. Suitable for both aerial and ground application. OPTIMUM CONDITIONS Use clean, soft water. Allow 1 hour for rainfastness. Spray actively growing target plants. Spray dust free target plants. Spraying out the last ratoon crop offers several benefits in a weed management programme. Reduces the incidence of perennial weeds. Reduces the weed seed bank in the soil. Reduces weed competition in the following crops. Reduces the incidence of Ratoon Stunting Disease. Offsets the possibility of soil erosion. Preserves soil moisture for the new plant crop. PERENNIAL WEEDS INCLUDING RATOONING CANE The best strategy to control perennial grass weeds is to make a concentrated effort during the fallow period. RATOON CANE SPRAYOUT Allow the cane to grow to a height of cm and spray the entire area with a blanket application of approximately 100L of solution per hectare. Most cane varieties are controlled with L/ha. Some varieties such as Q107, Q117 and Q127 display an erratic emergence pattern and may require a second application or a spot treatment when stragglers appear. Alternatively, the old stools can be removed mechanically where soil erosion is not a concern and a strategic application of Gladiator can be utilised to control volunteer cane, perennial grasses, wild sorghum and suppress nut grass. HEADLANDS Perimeter spraying with Gladiator alone or as a mixture with a residual prevents the encroachment of vigorous perennial grasses such as para grass and couch. Avoid spraying young cane or making contact with the crop canopy with Gladiator, as crop injury will occur. The Irvin headland edge sprayer is a better option to the hand gun as it can be set to spray at a constant height to avoid contact with the cane leaves. Desiccating the lower portion of the crop with Shirquat 250 prior to the application of Gladiator is beneficial where suckering occurs or where lower leaves remain green. GENERAL WEED CONTROL Spraying out weeds with Gladiator reduces corrosion problems, fire hazards and harbourage areas for rodents along fence lines, around sheds and machinery stacks. GENERAL RATE OF APPLICATION Annuals: 0.5L L/ha Use the high rate where the height of the weeds is greater than 15cm. Perennials: L/ha Whenever vines are present, add 2,4-D at the rate of 1.0L/ha. Where the weed spectrum contains tolerant broadleafs tank mix with either Comet or Nail 600. Spray nutgrass after at least 20% of plants have set a seed head. Use Airmix nozzles that produce small droplets. Optimum nozzles - 110º flat fan size 015 or 02 Hardi equivalent size 12. Do not use tapered flat fan nozzles larger than 02. In a spray out situation, a spray rig fitted with flat fan nozzles 0.5m apart set at 2 bar (30 p.s.i.) and travelling at 6kph will provide an output of approximately 96L/ha. Travel slowly and avoid boom whip. Only use clean, soft water. Spray when conditions induce active growth. Do not spray when rain is imminent. Do not spray dust laden targets. 14

15 2. HERBICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 680g/L glyphosate present as the mono-ammonium salt Fully systemic herbicide. Has good activity on a wide spectrum of grasses, sedges and broad leaf plants. Suitable for both aerial and ground application. OPTIMUM CONDITIONS Use clean, soft water. Allow 6 hours for rainfastness. Spray actively growing target plants. Spray dust free target plants. Spraying out the last ratoon crop offers several benefits in a weed management programme. Reduces the incidence of perennial weeds. Reduces the weed seed bank in the soil. Reduces weed competition in the following crops. Reduces the incidence of Ratoon Stunting Disease. Offsets the possibility of soil erosion. Preserves moisture for the new plant crop. PERENNIAL WEEDS INCLUDING RATOONING CANE The best strategy to control perennial grass weeds is to make a concentrated effort during the fallow period. RATOON CANE SPRAYOUT Allow the cane to grow to a height of cm and spray the entire area with a blanket application of approximately 100kg of solution per hectare. Most cane varieties are controlled by the perennial weed rate of kg/ha. Some varieties such as Q107, Q117 and Q127 display an erratic emergence pattern and may require a second application or a spot treatment when stragglers appear. Alternatively, the old stools can be removed mechanically where soil erosion is not a concern and a strategic application of Gladiator can be utilised to control volunteer cane, perennial grasses, wild sorghum, grass and suppress nut grass. HEADLANDS Perimeter spraying with Gladiator alone or as a mixture with a residual prevents the encroachment of vigorous perennial grasses such as para grass and couch. Avoid spraying young cane or making contact with the crop canopy with Gladiator, as crop injury will occur. The Irvin headland edge sprayer is a better option to the hand gun as it can be set to spray at a constant height to avoid contact with the cane leaves. Dessicating the lower portion of the crop with Shirquat 250 prior to the application of Gladiator is beneficial where suckering occurs or where lower leaves remain green. GENERAL WEED CONTROL Spraying out weeds with Gladiator reduces corrosion problems, fire hazards and harbourage areas for rodents along fence lines, around sheds and machinery stacks. GENERAL RATE OF APPLICATION Annuals: 400g - 1.0kg/ha Use the high rate where the height of the weeds is greater than 15cm. Perennials: 790g - 1.6kg/ha Whenever vines are present, add 2,4-D at the rate of 1.0L/ha or 0.25L - 0.5L/100L water. Where the weed spectrum contains tolerant broadleafs tank mix with either Comet or Nail 600. Spray nutgrass after at least 20% of plants have set a seed head. Use nozzles that produce small droplets. Optimum nozzles - 110º flat fan size 015 or 02 Hardi equivalent size 12. Do not use tapered flat fan nozzles larger than 02. In a spray out situation, a spray rig fitted with flat fan nozzles 0.5m apart set at 2 bar or (30 p.s.i.) and travelling at 6kph will provide an output of approximately 96L/ha, travel slowly to avoid boom whip. Only use clean, soft water. Spray when conditions induce active growth. Do not spray when rain is imminent. Do not spray dust laden targets. 15

16 2. HERBICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 600g/L carfentrazone-ethyl Enhances the activity of knockdown and systemic herbicides on broadleaf plants such as fallow legume crops. Increases the speed of control of knockdown and systemic herbicides used in fallow management prior to the establishment of the crop. Very active on difficult weeds such as marshmallow. Foliar uptake is rapid and desiccation can occur in 4 days. Compatible with Gladiator, Revolver, Shirquat 250, Alliance, Biffo, Atradex, Tomahawk. No residual action to effect following crops. Has little or no effect on grasses. Do not spray under dry conditions when target plants are stressed. Do not apply by air. Requires total coverage of foliage and stems. Use the high rate of 30mL/ha on older plants or plants growing under less than optimum conditions. The addition of Supercharge Elite at 0.5% may be beneficial when applying with a glyphosate herbicide. Addition of Shirwet 600 at 200mL/100L or BS1000 at 120mL/100L can assist in desiccating older plants. Will assist in spraying out mature legume crops such as soybean when grown for fallow management. Will assist in spraying out grass fallows with broadleaf weeds when the addition of 2,4-D is undesirable. WATER VOLUME EXAMPLES Water volumes should be adjusted to ensure total coverage. ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 680g/L 2,4-D present as the 2-ethylhexyl ester Specially formulated low volatile 2,4-D ester. Effective post-emergent activity on hardened broadleaf weeds. Compatible with Shirquat 250, Atradex, Gladiator, Revolver. Can be used in either high or low volume sprays. Can be applied aerially. Can cause severe damage to susceptible crops such as cotton, grapes, tomatoes and other horticultural crops. Avoid spraying if when wind is blowing towards susceptible crops. Avoid spraying if rainfall is likely within 6 hours. Avoid spraying if strong winds prevail. Check, determine and record the weather conditions immediately prior to, and immediately after spraying is completed. Extra care is required when night spraying to ensure that inversion conditions are not present. Do not apply if crop or weeds are moisture stressed. Use only when wind speed is more than 3kph and less than 15kph. Use only coarse to very coarse spray to the ASAE S572 definition for standard nozzles. Suitable to add to Gladiator to eradicate mature legume crops grown in fallows. Suitable to add to Shirquat 250 when managing grass fallows that contain difficult broadleaf weeds. Plant cane and ratoon cane Apply to emerged weeds and nutgrass postemergence of the crop. Suitable to mix with Shirquat 250 where broadleaf weeds and vines have grown beyond the soft lush stage suitable for 2,4-D amine formulations and horticultural crops are not close by. WATER VOLUME EXAMPLES Boom spray: a minimum of 100L/ha. Aerially: 40-90L/ha. 16

17 2. HERBICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 440g/L pendimethalin Less volatile than TriflurX. Good stability in sunlight for several days. Incorporation by moisture or cultivation. Stable for 7-10 days without rainfall. Good crop safety in sandy soils applied post-planting. Persistent in wet conditions. Highly active on major grass species in sugarcane. Controls guinea grass from seed in ratoon crops. Compatible with Atradex when required to control broadleaf weeds. Useful to control guinea and hamil grasses at planting. Provides 11 weeks protection under ideal conditions. Does not control most broadleaf weeds alone. Requires good tilth in the seedbeds. Requires high rates on heavy soils. Must be applied to bare soil prior to weeds germinating. Not suitable for trash blankets. Avoid soils with organic matter content greater than 6%. Plant back period for sorghum is 6 months. COMPETITORS TriflurX has to be incorporated within 4 hours of application. Loss due to volatilisation is higher with TriflurX in hot sandy soils. Plant cane For best results apply immediately after planting and before weed germination. Consolidate the furrow to minimise soil movement from the walls. Applications can be made during a cutaway operation when the cane is in the spike or early growth stage. Add Shirquat 250 when emerged weeds are present. Add Atradex or Tomahawk for pre-emergent control of vines and broadleaf weeds. When planting into a preformed mound, ensure the soil tilth is fine and irrigate after application. Ratoon cane Can be utilised where Rifle 440 can be applied to bare soil. Apply as a blanket spray to the total area or as a band spray to the row immediately post-harvest before weed germination. Add Atradex or Tomahawk for pre-emergent control of vines and broadleaf weeds. Rainfall or overhead irrigation is required within 7 days to maximise the residual effect. Use the high rate of 3.4 L/ha on heavy soils and where incorporation by irrigation or rainfall is expected to be delayed longer than 5 days. Under dry conditions thorough mechanical incorporation by finger rakes to a depth of 5-7cm will be necessary. Consolidate the soil by forming a shallow planting furrow with a belly roller or a cut-away operation to avoid subsidence of the walls into the base of the drill. Ensure the seedbed has a good tilth and is free of clods. Ensure the seedbed is free of crop and weed residues which will provide unacceptable levels of organic matter. Use the high rate of 3.4L/ha where heavy infestations of guinea, hamil and green summer grasses are expected. Nozzle strainers should not be finer than 50 mesh. Use a minimum of 200L of water/ha. MIXING Continual agitation is necessary during and after mixing Rifle 440 in the spray vat. Place Atradex, Tomahawk and or Diurex into the half-filled spray vat first with the agitator running, and as the vat is filling add the Rifle 440 slowly. When required add Shirquat 250 after the Rifle 440 has been thoroughly mixed. Add any surfactant last. As Rifle 440 has a very low solubility rating it can be beneficial to dilute the product prior to adding to the spray vat, particularly when other pre-emergent herbicides tank mixed. 17

18 2. HERBICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 250g/L paraquat Positive, fast acting post emergent herbicide. Rainfast in 30 minutes. Active on both broadleaved weeds and grasses. Flexible rates to suit spectrum and target size. Compatible with all pre-emergents + 2,4-D used in cane. Enhancement with Diuron or atrazine broadens the spectrum and increases efficacy on older weeds - enhances Shirquat 250. Active on slightly stressed grasses. Active on alkaline water up to ph 8. No residue problems in soil or water table. Low cost general purpose herbicide. COMPETITORS Gesapax Combi - sold as the softer option to Shirquat 250 with better crop safety. In reality the knockdown ability of Gesapax is restricted to the early growth stage of weeds. Asulox - positioned to control mature grasses. This is not a good agronomic practise as weed competition has reduced potential crop yields while waiting for the optimum mature growth stage. It is better to go early and offset yield losses. Early plant cane Apply Shirquat 250 as a blanket spray in adequate water to eliminate weed competition at post plant to the 3-4 leaf stage of the crop. Directed sprays are necessary after 3-4 leaf stage. Enhancement with Diurex at 500g/ha may be utilised up to the 3-4 leaf stage of the crop. If rainfall is imminent residual rates of Diurex can be applied where permitted as a directed spray after the emergence of the crop. Varying rates of Atradex can be applied at any crop growth stage to complement Shirquat 250 either as a blanket or directed spray for enhancement or residual effect. PLANT CANE BEFORE OUT OF HAND STAGE Apply Shirquat 250 as a directed spray with a choice of enhancement or residual rate of Diurex, or Atradex. Add 2,4-D to this mixture where vines are present. RATOON CANE Best strategy to offset crop losses from weed competition is to keep the crop weed free for at least 6 weeks post-harvest. DRYLAND ALL STAGES OF CROP A blanket spray of enhanced Shirquat 250 can be utilised on early ratoon crops to approximately 10cm in height. Apply Shirquat 250 as a directed spray with choice of enhancement or residual herbicide, after the crop is 10cm in height. 1.2L Shirquat kg Diurex L 2,4-D Amine/ha is the most widely used tank mixture to control vines, broadleaved weeds and grasses to 15cm in height. Two sprays per season are normally adequate. Ensure there is at least 8 weeks interval between applications. For best results with residuals use at the out of hand stage or when rainfall is imminent. IRRIGATED RATOONS Post-harvest Water up immediately behind the harvester to stimulate weed germination with the crop. When the weeds are less than 5cm in height, use the low rate of enhanced Shirquat 250 to: (i) Spray out the stool area only when cultivation in the inter-space will follow. OR (ii) Spray out the entire area where zero cultivation is practiced. After the fertiliser is applied and other necessary tillage operations have been completed, and the block has been irrigated, maintain a weed free environment with enhanced Shirquat 250 as required 8 weeks apart. Add 2,4-D to the mixture when vines are present. OUT OF HAND STAGE For long term weed control apply the optimum rate of the chosen pre-emergent herbicide with Shirquat 250 to suit soil types and weed spectrum. Spot spray guinea grass with barrage. Refer to the relevant literature to obtain best results. The literature proposes this mixture to be the softer option on the crop. Always add Shirwet 600 at 200mL/100L water or BS1000 at 120mL/100L water. Enhance Shirquat 250 with Diurex to obtain consistent results on barnyard and digitaria summer grasses. Adjust water volumes to ensure thorough coverage of the targets. Use good quality water. Do not spray dusty plants. WATER VOLUME EXAMPLES Blanket spraying Target weeds 2-5cm in height: L. Ideal nozzle size is flat fan - 110º 02. Target weeds 5-10cm in height: L. Ideal nozzle size is flat fan - 110º 03. Where water volumes need to exceed 200L/ha consideration should be given to Lechler IDKT Twin oriface nozzles. A Twinjet will produce the same size droplets as a flat fan with double the volume. This will provide improvements in coverage and retention. Directed spraying Target weeds <5cm in height: L Target weeds 10-15cm in height: L Use Airmix nozzles producing small droplets to optimise coverage and retention on small targets. Largest flat fan for directed spraying - 110º 04. Optimum Largest flood jet for directed spraying: size 4. Optimum size 3. Avoid spraying when heavy dew is present. Use clean, clear water only. Invest in an Irvin spray boom fitted with the 6 nozzle spray bars. 18

19 2. HERBICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 240g/L imazapic present as ammonium salt ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 750g/L MCPA as dimethylamine salt Photostable for long periods. Non-volatile. Does not leach. Low rate of application. Flexibility in timing of application. Does not move laterally with surface water. Good persistence - half-life 120 days. Readily absorbed through leaves, stems and roots. Translocates throughout the entire plant. Will wash through green cane trash blankets. Incorporation to 5cm with rainfall or irrigation required within 7 days. Absorption increases as soil ph decreases and clay and organic matter increases - higher rate required. Pre-emergent control may be limited on krasnozem or red brown ferrosol soils. Weed control will be limited where moisture is not maintained in the top 5cm of soil. Weed escapes may require follow-up application of knockdown herbicides. Mechanical incorporation may reduce length of residual. Apply to dry, weed-free soil prior to weed germination. Apply in a minimum of 200L/ha. Tank mix with Shirquat 250 when emerged weeds are present. Plant care Apply post-planting before emergence of the crop and weeds. Adjust application rate to suit soil types. Prolonged wet soil and/or cool conditions can increase crop damage, especially in sandy soils. Normal growth will return when conditions become warmer and drier. Ratoon cane Apply post-harvest before new crop growth appears. If weeds are present tank mix with Shirquat 250. This mixture can burn-off new crop to 10cm without yield loss. Avoid applications to heavy trash blankets. WATER VOLUME EXAMPLES Minimum of 200L/ha. Concentrated formulation of MCPA. Soft on cane varieties susceptible to phenoxy herbicides. Can be applied over the top of sugarcane at any growth stage with the exception of certain varieties. Effective knockdown on Ipomea and Convolvulus vines and a range of broadleaf weeds. Suitable for aerial applications. Compatible with Shirquat, Atradex, Diurex, Tomahawk, Comet. Requires good coverage and retention on target plants. Spray drift can cause damage to susceptible crops and desirable plants. Combine with Comet to control mature vines with aerial applications. Spray alone when susceptible weeds are soft and actively growing. Adjust nozzle height and water volumes to ensure total coverage of the target weeds and vines. Add Shirwet at the rate of 200mL/100L of spray solution. Increase application rates when adverse growing conditions are encountered and when target plants are flowering. Tank mix with Atradex or Tomahawk to broaden the spectrum of susceptible weeds and for consistent results when weeds have grown beyond the soft stem stage. Can be used alone when broadleaf weeds and vines are soft and lush. Tank mix with Atradex or Comet to improve control as weeds harden and as vines mature. Increase application rates to 3.3kg Atradex + 3.5L/ha Thistle-Killem to control woody weeds and mature vines. Tank mix with Shirquat 250 and Diurex when grasses are present and apply as a directed spray. WATER VOLUME EXAMPLES Ground rigs use a minimum of 120L/ha. Aerial applications use 40-90L/ha. 19

20 2. HERBICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 750g/kg metribuzin ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 480g/L TriflurX Good activity on broadleaf weeds, vines and most grasses. Compatible with Rifle 440 and TriflurX to broaden the weed spectrum. Non-volatile. Best suited to replace Atrazine as a pre-emergent broadleaf herbicide. Can be applied alone when weeds are in 3 leaf stage. Compatible with Shirquat 250 and ametryne 800. Avoid post-planting applications on very light sandy soils. Rainfall or overhead irrigation required (6-12mm) within 2 weeks. No root uptake by weeds under dry conditions. Requires continuous agitation when adding to spray vat and while spraying. Do not apply to green cane trash blankets unless thoroughly broken down. Use a minimum of 250L water/ha. Use with Rifle 440 to broaden grass spectrum to cover guinea grass. Optimum results achieved when applied to moist soil initially and rainfall or irrigation is received within 7 days. Use the higher rates for extended residual control. Use the higher rates on heavy soils and where vines are prevalent. Ensure soil has a fine tilth and is low in organic matter. Do not disturb treated soil surface after application. Plant care Apply immediately post-plant except on very light sandy soils. At the out-of-hand stage apply directed sprays under the crop canopy so the rows and inter-rows are completely and evenly sprayed. Add Shirquat 250 and 2,4-D amine when weeds are present. Ratoon cane Applications to BCTB can be either a banded spray over the row or a complete blanket spray post-harvest where crop residue has been removed. At the out-of-hand stage apply directed sprays under the crop canopy so the rows and inter-rows are completely and evenly sprayed. Add Shirquat 250 and 2,4-D amine when weeds are present. WATER VOLUME EXAMPLES Spray with a minimum of 250L/ha. Spray with 400L/ha if mature weeds are present. Most cost effective pre-emergent grass herbicide. Controls a broad spectrum of grasses. Not affected by weather conditions when incorporated correctly. Provides weeks protection under ideal conditions. Compatible with broadleaf pre-emergent herbicides such as Atradex or Tomahawk. Compatible with Shirquat 250 where weeds have emerged. Volatile, requires incorporation within 4 hours of application. High temperatures, wind and warm moist soil will necessitate incorporation to be carried out immediately. Requires seedbeds to have a fine tilth. Soils with high levels of organic matter are unsuitable. Root pruning of the crop will occur if placed too close to the sett. Has limited effect on broadleaf weeds. Must be applied to bare soil prior to weed seeds germinating. Not suitable for trash blankets. Incorporate to a depth of cm as soon as it is practical after application, 4 hours maximum. Incorporate at a speed that ensures maximum soil disturbance and thorough mixing. Two workings are usually required for thorough incorporation. Form a wide shallow furrow to avoid subsidence of the walls into the base of the drill. Ensure the seedbed has a good tilth and is free of clods. Ensure the seedbed is free of crop and weed residues which will provide unacceptable levels of organic matter. Use a minimum of 250L of water/ha. Application rate for all soil types during the autumn plant is 3.0L/ha. Application rate for all soil types during the spring plant is 2.3L/ha. Plant care Apply after the cane has emerged to out of hand stage. Incorporate to a depth of cm with finger rakes or rakes behind Cotton Kings. Cultivation can continue after incorporation providing the depth in the working is less than the depth of incorporation. Mix with Atradex or Tomahawk for pre-emergent control of broadleaf weeds and vines. Add Shirquat 250 where weeds have germinated prior to application. Ratoon cane Can be utilised where TriflurX can be applied to bare soil. Apply as a blanket spray to the total area or as a band spray to the row immediately post-harvest before weed germination. Incorporate with rotary hoe or ratooning discs. Add Atradex for pre-emergent control of vines and broadleaf weeds. MIXING Continual agitation is necessary during and after mixing TriflurX in the spray vat. Place Atradex and or Diurex into the half-filled spray vat first with the agitator running, and as the vat is filling add the TriflurX slowly. When required add Shirquat 250 after the TriflurX has been thoroughly mixed. Add any surfactant last. 20

21 2. HERBICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE CONSTITUENT: 300g/L 2,4-D, 75g/L PICLORAM (both present as the triisopropanolamine salt) Excellent efficacy against Sicklepod. Flexible rates to suit target size-refer label for further details. Suitable for both aerial application (minimum 50L water/ha) or ground application (minimum 200L water/ha). Excellent tank mix partner with Comet 400 (Fluroxypyr) for vines and Amicide Advance 700 to target broadleaf weeds. Always apply in tank mix with 715mL Amicide Advance 700 to non 2,4-D susceptible varieties only. Do NOT use in high winds. Do NOT spray if rain is likely to occur within 4 hours. Always add Supercharge Elite at 1L/100L total spray volume. Do NOT allow spray to drift onto susceptible crops. Robust control of Sicklepod in sugarcane during vegetative growth stages. Flexible partner for tank mix with Comet 400 or Amicide Advance 700. ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 625g/L 2,4-D present as the diethanolamine and triethanolamine salt Can be applied over the top of sugarcane at any growth stage with the exception of certain varieties. Effective knockdown on ipomea and Convolvulus vines and a range of broadleaf weeds. Classified as non-volatile - vapour drift is negligible. Classified as low odour. Formulation is structured on two salts, diethanolamine and triethanolamine which produce less odour than the dimethylamine salt. Suitable for aerial applications. Compatible with Shirquat, Diurex, Atradex, Gramoxone, Revolver, Daconate and Tomahawk. Requires good coverage and retention on target plants. Spray drift can cause damage to susceptible crops and desirable plants. Do not spray cane varieties Q63,Q67, Q80 or Q96. Spray alone when susceptible weeds are soft and actively growing. Adjust nozzle height and water volumes to ensure total coverage of the target weeds and vines. Add Shirwet at the rate of 200mL/100L of spray solution. Increase application rates when adverse growing conditions are encountered and when target plants are flowering. Tank mix with Atradex to broaden the spectrum of susceptible weeds and for consistent results when weeds have grown beyond the soft stem stage. Can be used alone when broadleaf weeds and vines are soft and lush. Tank mix with Atradex to improve control as weeds harden and as vines mature. Increase application rates to 3.3kg Atradex + 4.0L/ha Zephyr 625 to control woody weeds and mature vines. Tank mix with Shirquat 250 and Diurex when grasses are present and apply as a directed spray. 21

22 3. HERBICIDE PROGRAM FOR SUGARCANE PLANT CROP CROP STAGE Situation Product Rate/Ha Pre-emergent Early Post Canopy Cover Out of Hand Emerged perennials Emerged annuals Full weed spectrum Emerged annuals Broadleafs and some grasses Gladiator Optimax Shirquat + Diurex + Amine 625 ametryne + Atradex 660mL 2.0L 1.2L g 1.1L 2.5kg kg KNOCKDOWNS Emerged annuals broadleafs & grasses Perennial grasses Full weed spectrum Agtryne MA + ametryne Daconate Diurex Rifle Atradex L 2.5kg 6.6L 0.5kg L kg Rifle L + Tomahawk kg Spark mL Spark mL + Rifle L Diurex 1.9kg + Atradex 3.3kg Barrage kg Apply only prior to the emergence of the crop. Use low rate on annuals. Use high rate where nutgrass and perennial grasses present. Do not apply as a blanket spray after the 3-4 leaf stage of the crop. Adjust Diurex rate and water volume to suit target size. 2,4-D required when vines and broadleaf weeds present. Good option where Shirquat is unsuitable or unacceptable. Requires total coverage. Weeds must be in the early growth stages, soft and growing actively. Unsuitable for brachiaria and panicim grasses. Best option where panicum and brachiaria grasses are present to 15cm. Apply as a directed spray where possible to target the weeds. Can retrieve a plough-out situation where guinea and vasey grass is established. Deploy split application recommendation for mature grass. Safest option for sandy soils - ensure product applied to bare soil. Incorporate within 10 days. Add Shirquat if weeds are present. Except if applied early on sand. Apply after canopy cover on sandy soils. Irrigate within 10 days. Replacement for Atradex if applied earlier on sandy soils. If crop and weeds have emerged tank mix with Shirquat 250. Add Rifle 440 where crowsfoot grass is anticipated. Add Shirquat if crop and weeds have emerged. PRE-EMERGENTS Cost effective alternative on light/heavy/red volcanic soils. Diurex not to be used at this rate in the Wet Tropics. 22

23 Herbicide Program for Sugarcane RATOON CROP Emerged annuals CROP STAGE Situation Product Rate/Ha Pre-emergent Early Post Canopy Cover Out of Hand Shirquat L + Diurex g + Amine L Agtryne MA L Agtryne MA + ametryne L 2.5kg 6.6L 0.5kg KNOCKDOWNS Perennial grasses Post-harvest GCTB Daconate Diurex Spark mL Spark Shirquat mL L Barrage kg PRE-EMERGENTS Post-harvest BCTB Diurex Atradex 1.9kg kg Spark mL Spark Rifle 440 Rifle Atradex mL L L kg Barrage kg Apply as a blanket spray up to a crop height of 10cm. After this stage apply as a directed spray to ensure good coverage of the target weeds. Adjust chemical rate and water volume to suit weed size. Fast knockdown of vines to 2m, and other broadleafs. Good coverage required. Use a tank mix if bluetop is present. Effective control of a range of established broadleafs and grasses including green summer and guinea grasses. Brownout occurs in 14 days. Can retrieve a plough-out situation where guinea and vasey grass is established. Deploy split application recommendation for mature grass. No restriction on the use of Spark. Apply to trash blanket when partially broken down for best results. Add phenoxy knockdowns if broadleaf weeds are present. Apply as a directed spray after crop emergence. Add Shirquat if crop has emerged to a height of 10-15cm and apply as a blanket spray. Apply as a directed spray after canopy closure. Not to be used as a pre-emergent in the wet tropics. Abide by regional allotted timeframes. Apply to 60% of crop concentrating on the rows. Do not apply more than 0.5kg/ha in the Wet Tropics. Must be applied to bare soil. Cost-effective pre-em under ideal conditions. Apply pre-emergence of the crop or as a directed spray at the Out-of-Hand stage to control vigorous grasses growing from seed, broadleafs and vines. Tank mix with Romper 440 where crowsfoot grass (Eleusine indica) is a serious problem. Ensure incorporation within 10 days. Apply to bare soil prior to weed emergence. Suitable at the OHS applied as a directed spray concentrating on the row followed by irrigation. Best option applied within the new label use timings where troublesome grasses and vines are present and another preem was used post-harvest. HERBICIDE For more information, please contact your local Technical Sales Manager Customer Service (Australia-wide) Agtryne, Atradex, Barrage, Daconate, Diurex, Gladiator, Rifle, Shirquat, Spark and Tomahawk are registered trademarks Coloured sections show main application period Refer to the label directions before use 3. HERBICIDE PROGRAM FOR SUGARCANE 23

24 4. INSECTICIDE RECOMMENDATIONS 4. Insecticide Recommendations The high cost of planting necessitates the avoidance of a ploughout replant situation due to insect damage. Failures at planting can occur due to wireworm and symphylan infestations which can be avoided by an insecticide treatment during the planting operation. Major setbacks to the crop in the early emergence stage can be experienced by large populations of armyworm defoliating the new crop. Canegrubs on the other hand can cause significant financial losses in both plant and ratoon crops. Wireworms Damage from wireworms is normally experienced in heavy, wet and poorly drained soils and can occur in all cane growing areas. Wireworm larvae bore into the eyes on the setts killing the new shoots causing patchy germinations and dead spindles. Wireworm damage in ratoons has also been recorded postharvest prior to the emergence of the new crop. Astral 250 prevents losses in plant cane when applied at 2.25mL/100m of row covering the sett during the planting operation immediately before soil cover. The mode of action is by contact, as the larvae move through the soil targeting the eyes. They will be controlled with a coarse spray of at least 60L - 100L/ha. Aim for a band width of 20-30cm over the base of the furrow to ensure a high volume of treated soil. Symphylans Symphylans attack the actively growing roots of newly germinated crops causing root pruning resulting in plants that wilt and are slow to set multiple shoots. Symphylans are present all year round and multiply rapidly when rotting vegetation is present in the soil. They are found in all cane growing regions in most soil types. An application of Astral 250 as recommended for wireworms will also control symphylans. Armyworms Several species of armyworm occur in all cane producing regions. Biological control of armyworms has been recorded and proposed but severe and multiple infestations can weaken shoots and restrict growth of plant crops especially growing under stressed conditions. Moths are attracted to lay eggs in rotting leaf matter such as green trash blankets which can lead to defoliation of young ratoon crops. The insecticide Axe can quickly reduce armyworm numbers when applied as a foliar spray. As spraying is normally carried out when caterpillars are larger than 10mm the recommendation is to use the high rate of 200mL/ha. Canegrubs To avoid losses from canegrubs insecticide treatments are part of a total management plan. Once the problem white grub has been identified and the life cycle is understood, an overall plan which incorporates monitoring, risk assessment, harvesting strategies and crop manipulation can assist to reduce losses from severe infestations. Several types of canegrub cause significant damage to sugarcane at all stages of the crop in all cane growing regions. The life cycles of these pests are segregated into 1 year cycle and 2 year cycle grubs. Egg laying can be expected between September and February depending on the species and the weather conditions. As expected the 1 year grubs complete the life cycle in 1 year usually starting in November or when the first storms trigger the emergence of the adult beetles. Damage from these species occurs from February to June when monitoring should be undertaken. 2 year cycle grubs have a similar emergence pattern to the 1 year cycle species but the second instar stage descend to the moist sub soil to hibernate and moult into the third instar stage which inflict the most damage to the following ratoon crop starting in early summer. The best method of predicting infestation levels is to do actual counts of grubs per stool by digging up stools in high risk blocks of cane that have not been treated with an insecticide. The monitoring and risk assessment section of the SRA Grub Plan provides an easy to follow process to minimise the impact of yield reductions from canegrubs. Insecticide treatments applied to the plant and ratoon crops can provide adequate protection against root pruning which leads to yield and crop losses. It must be noted that some damage may occur when extreme numbers such as 10 greyback grubs per stool are encountered. Plant Crop The recommended treatment for plant crops is with the controlled release product suscon maxi Intel, applied either at planting or at the fill-in stage when the appropriate depth can be achieved. Canegrubs are controlled by dermal absorption and ingestion. The application recommendations on width and depth of the granule band ensures the band intercepts as many grubs as possible as they target the stool when they are in the late 2nd and mature 3rd instar stages. The active in suscon maxi Intel, imidacloprid, is more soluble and more loosely attached to soil than alternative insecticides such as chlorpyrifos and consequently will move further away from the release point and protect a larger area of root mass. Imidacloprid is absorbed by the roots and translocated upwards throughout the plant and provides three modes of action, mortality by dermal absorption, ingestion of treated soil and roots and sub-lethal doses have an anti-feeding effect which prevents grubs gaining sufficient weight to pass the larval stage. suscon maxi Intel remains active in soil with a ph of 9 so this product offers more flexibility and certainty in controlling canegrubs. The length of protection experienced with suscon maxi Intel varies from 3 years against the large tolerant greyback to 4 years against smaller Childers grub. Ratoon Crop Applied as a soil injection treatment, Senator 700WG is a wettable granule formulation of imidacloprid which mixes into a smooth suspension and overcomes problems associated with liquid formulations. The rates of application vary from 5.5g - 11g per 100m of row depending on the grub species and anticipated grub numbers. Apply from September to November to ratoon blocks that have a high risk of greyback canegrubs. Monitor 2 year cycle grubs in September and apply Senator 700WG when economic threshold numbers are reached. Senator 700WG is also registered for application to plant crops. 24

25 5. INSECTICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 250g/L bifenthrin ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 500g/L permethrin Effective control of sugarcane wireworm and symphylans. Contact and residual activity. Alternating synthetic pyrethroid chemistry - for insecticide resistance management. Effective in all soil ph s. Not presently affected by enhanced microbial biodegradation in any districts. Binds tightly to soil particles resulting in negligible leaching potential. Low in odour. RATE OF APPLICATION 150mL/ha based on 1.5m row spacing. If row spacing is different then apply at the use rate of 2.25mL of product per 100m of row. Resistance management - using alternate chemistry to current market choice. APPLICATION Astral is a contact and residual insecticide. It is applied at planting as a spray into the furrow. Use a spray nozzle which will deliver a course spray in a total volume of 60 to 100L/ha in a band 20-30cm wide over the base of the furrow on top of the setts and before soil is brought in by covering tynes. MIXING Add the required quantity of Astral 250 EC to water in the spray tank with the agitation system operating and mix thoroughly. Maintain agitation throughout mixing and application. CALIBRATION OF EQUIPMENT If equipment needs calibration due to the row spacing not being 1.5m the following steps may be helpful: In order to determine output of the applicator it should be set up and operated in the block to be planted in normal working conditions. Do not calibrate on a flat road surface under no load, because wheel slip will not be taken into account. Measure out and mark 100m of row. With planting equipment in the ground and nozzle operating, spraying water only, place a jug under the nozzle and collect the output over the 100m. Ensure the planter is moving prior to the start of the 100m. The planter needs to be travelling at a constant speed from start to finish for an accurate measurement. Measure the volume of water captured. Determine the area to be treated in row length 1. Use the volume of spray liquid collected over the 100m. 2. As an example you have collected 920mL in 100m (As a rough guide this can be achieved using a flat fan nozzle at low pressure at approx. 5kph). 3. Determine what row spacing you have. 4. At 1.3m row spacings you would have 77 rows in 100m (100/77 = 1.3). 5. 1ha = 100m x 100m therefore 77 rows x 100m = 1ha or 7700m of row length. 6. You know that your equipment is providing 920mL of spray in 100m (9.2mL/m) therefore in 7700m (1ha) your equipment would deliver (9.2mL x 7700m) 70.8L/ha. 7. From the label you need to apply 5.6mL/100m of product, therefore per ha or 7700m of row you will need 0.056mL/m therefore 0.056mL x 7700m = 431mL in 70.8L which will treat 1ha. Highly effective pest control. Controls a wide range of armyworm and loopers. Works in the following way: Direct contact. Direct spray droplet contact. Body contact with treated plant surfaces. Stomach poison. Surface feeding. Gives rapid knockdown day residual activity. Rainfast in 2-3 hours. Nil WHP. Good coverage is important. Apply as pest population indicates. Use a higher rate if larvae larger than 10mm are present. Apply at a rate of mL/ha in 20-30L water/ha. 25

26 5. INSECTICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 700g/L imidacloprid ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 50g/kg imidacloprid Can be applied to plant or ratoon cane. Controls greyback, childers, negatoria, plectris, rhopaea, southern one-year canegrub and french s cane grub. High strength water dispersible granule formulation. Excellent shelf life. Easy to mix. Application should be made while stools are small enough to avoid excessive damage to the crop from machinery. High strength formulation has a tendency to foam. Add Activator 90 at a rate of 100mL/100L if this occurs. Cane grub monitoring required to determine if the product is required. Period of control one year only. Must be applied every year. The active in Senator 700WG, imidacloprid, is highly water soluble. Care must be taken to ensure it does not run off in to waterways and aquifers. Apply at fill-in or final hilling only if sufficient soil cover can be applied. Use the high rate where heavy canegrub infestation is expected (4 or more grubs/stool). Apply in a narrow spray band in the planted row. Treated soil must be covered immediately. Plant care Greyback canegrub. Apply at planting or at first working, or at half-open drill stage, or at fill-in or final hilling. Use a rate of 8-11g/100m of cane row = g/ha for single row cane with 1.52m row spacing if high grub pressure expected (>4 grubs/stool). Use a rate of 5.5g/100m of cane row = 360g/ha for single row cane with 1.52m spacing between rows, if low grub pressure expected (<2 grubs/stool). Childers, negatoria, plectris, rhopea and southern one-year canegrub. Use a rate of 5.5-8g/100m of cane row = g/ha for single row cane with 1.52m spacing between rows. Ratoon cane Greyback canegrub. Apply from September to November to fields which are at high risk of greyback grub damage using ther same rate as for Plant Cane. In areas where early flights of beetles occur, application should be early within this period. Late applications where large 3rd instar larvae dominate the grub population will not be as effective. Application should be made while stools are small enough to avoid excessive damage. Apply only as a subsurface soil application behind coulters Frenchs, negatoria, Childers, plectrus, rhopea and southern one-year canegrub. Frenchs - Apply at same rate as for greyback canegrub above. Negatoria, Childers, plectrus, rhopea, southern one-year - apply at a rate of 5.5-8g/100m of cane row = g/ha for single row cane with 1.52m spacing between rows. Begin monitoring for the presence of grubs in September (December for southern one-year) and continue to monitor at regular intervals. Apply Senator 700WG immediately if grub numbers have reached an economic threshold (>3 grubs/stool). Provides protection against greyback negatoria, consobrina and Bundaberg canegrub damage for 3 years. Childers and southern one year canegrub damage for 4 years in sugarcane. One application at planting can control a broad range of grub species for up to 4 years - a world first. Provides significant yield benefits and return on investment compared with untreated crops. Provides an alternative active to chlorpyrifos for control of cane grub pests. Releases the active imidacloprid slowly, prolonging control of cane grub species, compared with alternative options available. Imidacloprid is a highly water soluble active but the controlled release technology minimises release of the active into the environment in rainfall events. Can only be applied in the plant crop. Not suitable for use in ratoons. Plant care Apply at a rate of 10-15kg/ha. Provides 3 to 4 years control of canegrubs depending on the species being targeted. Conventional planting in single rows. suscon maxi Intel should be applied directly to the soil through a precision granule applicator. Apply granules in a band 15-20cm wide across the centre of the row. Cover granules with at least 5cm of compacted soil or 10cm of loose soil at the time of application. DO NOT remove soil or disturb granules in subsequent cultivation. Bring in further covering soil as cane growth allows. Granules should be covered by 15-20cm of compacted soil once the row is finished and hilled up. Conventional planting in dual rows (cane planted in dual rows in beds up to 2.1m apart). Apply suscon maxi Intel with a precision granule applicator, so that granules are placed in bands 15-20cm wide in each planting row. Similar amounts of product should be applied in each band (112.5g/100m row). Cover granules with at least 5cm of compacted soil or 10cm of loose soil at the time of application. Granules should be covered by 15-20cm of compacted soil once the row is finished and hilled up. Double disc open planter (cane planted with minimumtillage planters eg. double disc opener planters, in single or dual rows.) Apply suscon maxi Intel with a precision granule applicator, so that granules are placed in even bands at least 7cm wide in each planting row. In the case of dual rows, similar amounts of product should be applied in each band (112.5g/100m row). Granules should be covered by 10-15cm of soil when planting is completed. DO NOT remove soil or disturb granules in subsequent cultivation. 26

27 5. INSECTICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES suscon maxi Intel placement 1. APPLICATION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONVENTIONAL PLANTING (i). Apply at Planting Mix granules with incoming soil behind the planter boards to form a layer 2-3cm deep and 15-20cm wide across the row. Granules may safely touch the salt. This method is most suitable where there is 20cm or less soil above the sett in the finished hilled row, and especially where Negatoria or Childers grub are a major local pest cm Hill position after row is finished Furrow position immediately after application 5cm suscon maxi Intel 15-20cm (ii). Apply into the furrow a. At first working Apply granules in a band 15-20cm wide across the centre of the furrow and 2-5cm above the sett, depending on planting depth. This method is most suitable where there will be 17-20cm of soil above the sett in the finished hilled row, especially where greyback and other grubs occur together. Mound profile after final hilling operation Furrow shape immediately after application 15-20cm suscon maxi Intel 5cm 2-5cm 15-20cm b. At cutaway or drill fill-in Apply granules in a band 15-20cm wide across the centre of the furrow and between 5-15cm above the sett depending on row depth. This method is recommended where there will be more than 20cm of soil above the sett in the finished hilled row, especially where greyback grub is the major pest. Mound profile after final hilling operation Furrow shape immediately after application 15-20cm 5cm suscon maxi Intel 5-15cm 15-20cm 2. APPLICATION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DOUBLE DISC OPENER PLANTERS suscon maxi Intel should be applied directly to the soil through a precision granule applicator. Apply granules in bands at least 7cm wide and 2-3cm thick in each planting row. Granules should be covered by 10-15cm of soil when planting is completed. DO NOT remove soil or disturb granules in subsequent cultivation. Example of dual row application above. suscon maxi Intel 10-15cm Hill position immediately after application 2-3cm 7cm 27

28 6. INSECTICIDE PROGRAM FOR SUGARCANE Insecticide Program for Sugarcane Northern Queensland PLANT CROP Pest Product Options Active Ingredient Chemical Group JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Autumn Plant Spring Plant Cane grub suscon maxi Intel Senator 700WG 50g/kg imidacloprid 700g/kg imidacloprid 4A 4A Apply granules in a band 15-20cm wide across the centre of the row. Granules should be covered by 15-20cm of soil when the row is finished. Begin monitoring in September and apply to fields at risk of grub damage from September onwards. Wireworm Astral 250EC Chlorpyrifos 500EC 250g/L bifenthrin 500g/L chlorpyrifos 3A 1B Maestro 200SC 200g/L fipronil 2B Apply as a spray into the furrow over the base of the furrow on top of the setts prior to soil cover. Apply onto the plant sett and adjacent soil immediately prior to soil cover being brought in. Apply in the planting furrow over the top of the plant pieces (setts), to ensure coverage of the plant pieces and the surrounding soil. Symphylans African black beetle/ black beetle Astral 250 EC Chlorpyrifos 500EC Chlorpyrifos 500EC 250g/L bifenthrin 500g/L chlorpyrifos 500g/L chlorpyrifos 3A 1B 1B Apply as a low pressure (less than 35kPa) or gravity feed spray onto the plant sett and adjacent soil immediately prior to soil cover being brought in. Apply as a spray into the furrow which will deliver spray in a band 20-30cm wide over the base of the furrow on top of the setts prior to soil cover. Apply onto the plant sett and adjacent soil immediately prior to soil cover being brought in. Repeat treatment in 12 weeks if infestation reoccurs. PLANT AND RATOON CROP Pest Product Options Cane grub Senator 700WG Southern & common armyworm Common, northern & sugarcane armyworm Spur-throated locust Australian plague locust/migratory locust Sugarcane weevil borer Chlorpyrifos 500EC Axe Chlorpyrifos 500EC Chlorpyrifos 500EC Active Ingredient 700g/kg imidacloprid 500g/L chlorpyrifos 500g/L permethrin 500g/L chlorpyrifos 500g/L chlorpyrifos Chemical Group 4A 1B 3A 1B 1B Maestro 200SC 200g/L fipronil 2B JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Autumn Plant Spring Plant Apply at planting, or at first working, or at half-open drill stage, or at fill-in or final hilling. Spray over total area when infestation is widespread. When pests are moving as an "army" treat a broad strip in advance of infestation. Apply as pest population indicates. Spray areas of crop infested with locusts. Apply spray to trees or roosting sites to control swarming locusts. Adults: Spray areas of crop infested with locusts. Hoppers: Spray a swath in advance of marching band and then spray along the dense marching front. Apply during the summer months of December to February when the crop has produced the first millable internode of cane. For more information, please contact your local Technical Sales Manager. Customer Service (Australia-wide): Axe, suscon, Senator, Astral and Maestro are registered trademarks Coloured sections show main application period Refer to the label directions before use 28

29 6. INSECTICIDE PROGRAM FOR SUGARCANE Insecticide Program for Sugarcane Southern Qld & Northern NSW PLANT CROP Pest Product Options Active Ingredient Chemical Group JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Autumn Plant Spring Plant Cane grub suscon maxi Intel Senator 700WG 50g/kg imidacloprid 700g/kg imidacloprid 4A 4A Apply granules in a band 15-20cm wide across the centre of the row. Granules should be covered by 15-20cm of soil when the row is finished. Begin monitoring in September and apply to fields at risk of grub damage from September onwards. Wireworm Astral 250EC Chlorpyrifos 500EC 250g/L bifenthrin 500g/L chlorpyrifos 3A 1B Maestro 200SC 200g/L fipronil 2B Apply as a spray into the furrow over the base of the furrow on top of the setts prior to soil cover. Apply onto the plant sett and adjacent soil immediately prior to soil cover being brought in. Apply in the planting furrow over the top of the plant pieces (setts), to ensure coverage of the plant pieces and the surrounding soil. Symphylans African black beetle/ black beetle Astral 250 EC Chlorpyrifos 500EC Chlorpyrifos 500EC 250g/L bifenthrin 500g/L chlorpyrifos 500g/L chlorpyrifos 3A 1B 1B Apply as a low pressure (less than 35kPa) or gravity feed spray onto the plant sett and adjacent soil immediately prior to soil cover being brought in. Apply as a spray into the furrow which will deliver spray in a band 20-30cm wide over the base of the furrow on top of the setts prior to soil cover. Apply onto the plant sett and adjacent soil immediately prior to soil cover being brought in. Repeat treatment in 12 weeks if infestation reoccurs. PLANT AND RATOON CROP Pest Product Options Cane grub Senator 700WG Southern & common armyworm Common, northern & sugarcane armyworm Spur-throated locust Australian plague locust/migratory locust Sugarcane weevil borer Chlorpyrifos 500EC Axe Chlorpyrifos 500EC Chlorpyrifos 500EC Active Ingredient 700g/kg imidacloprid 500g/L chlorpyrifos 500g/L permethrin 500g/L chlorpyrifos 500g/L chlorpyrifos Chemical Group 4A 1B 3A 1B 1B Maestro 200SC 200g/L fipronil 2B JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Autumn Plant Spring Plant Apply at planting, or at first working, or at half-open drill stage, or at fill-in or final hilling. Spray over total area when infestation is widespread. When pests are moving as an "army" treat a broad strip in advance of infestation. Apply as pest population indicates. Spray areas of crop infested with locusts. Apply spray to trees or roosting sites to control swarming locusts. Adults: Spray areas of crop infested with locusts. Hoppers: Spray a swath in advance of marching band and then spray along the dense marching front. Apply during the summer months of December to February when the crop has produced the first millable internode of cane. For more information, please contact your local Technical Sales Manager. Customer Service (Australia-wide): suscon, Axe, Senator, Astral and Maestro are registered trademarks Coloured sections show main application period Refer to the label directions before use 29

30 7. FUNGICIDE RECOMMENDATIONS 7. Fungicide Recommendations Three diseases of sugarcane that can have a significant impact on the viability of growing sugarcane are pineapple disease (Ceratocystis paradoxa), sugarcane smut (Sporisorium scitamineum) and to a lesser degree orange rust (Puccinia kuehnii). Pineapple Disease Pineapple disease is an economically important disease of sugarcane as it induces seed piece decay following planting and occurs in all areas of Australia where sugarcane is grown. This disease is transmitted by fungal spores present in the soil and is mainly found in the top 25cm of the soil profile. Any factor that delays the germination of the buds on the seed pieces increases the likelihood of infection. Excessive deep planting, wet or dry soil conditions and low temperatures are all conductive to the development of the disease. An excessive number of misses can create a costly replant operation. Cultural practices can assist in good germination rates by selecting vigorous young planting material, taking care to minimise the amount of wounding of the seed pieces, and avoiding planting material with a pipe or hollow stem. Reliable protection is experienced where a fungicide is applied to seed pieces with clean cut ends, minimal splitting, no piping and where the spraying equipment is positioned to provide good coverage particularly on the cut ends. Shirtan has been a product of choice for four decades for reliable protection of cane seed pieces against pineapple disease due to the products physical effect on the dormant buds to induce early germination and for the ten weeks of protection provided. Propiconazole has been used as a replacement to Shirtan where a non-mercurial fungicide is preferred and where a short protection period of three weeks is sufficient. Three weeks was the anticipated protection period for all non-mercurials compared to nine weeks for Shirtan, until the introduction of Sinker. SRA trials with this new generation of highly active fungicides has shown that Sinker can protect cane seed pieces against pineapple disease for 130 days. Sugarcane Smut Sugarcane smut is a devastating disease in sugarcane growing areas globally. The affected crop is stunted and crop losses in susceptible varieties vary from 30% to 100% which can lead to the need to replant. The fungus infects plants through the buds of standing stalks or germinating buds on the seed pieces in the soil. The fungus grows within the stalk and induces the formation of flowering structures in the form of whips that grow out between the leaf sheaths. Plants affected with the fungus appear to have thin stalks, are often stunted and are inclined to tiller much more than normal. The spores of sugarcane smut are primarily spread by wind dispersal or by planting infected or contaminated planting material. The management of sugarcane smut is done through the use of resistant varieties, fungicides and the use of disease free planting material. A recent addition to the arsenal of protectant fungicides is Sinker which is applied at planting and has shown to provide an extended period of protection against the disease. Sinker can replace products used to protect the seed pieces against pineapple disease, provide 130 day protection against sugarcane smut infection, as well as reducing the level of secondary infection of sugarcane smut. The main requirement is to ensure total coverage of the seed pieces before placement in the soil. A clear indication on the performance of the spraying equipment on planters can be achieved by spraying a dye through the planter onto planting material prior to the planting operation. This simple test can determine if the coverage on the cut ends of the seed pieces is adequate, if nozzles need to be replaced or the position of the nozzles need adjusting. Where the ends of the seed pieces are well covered it is expected the dormant eyes are additionally well protected. Attention to adequate coverage can alleviate poor strikes due to ineffective applications of fungicides. Sinker has a built-in dye to assist with showing how well it is being applied. Orange Rust Orange rust is prevalent in humid summer conditions and occurs in all cane-growing districts in Queensland and New South Wales. The cultural practise of selecting resistant varieties is the main weapon to avoid an epidemic as experienced in the year The SRA recommend that susceptible varieties or intermediate varieties such as Q208A are limited to 30-40% of each farm. Currently orange rust remains at low levels on the majority of crops and with moderate levels on poorer soils or where the crop has been stressed. The use of a fungicide can be useful where weather conditions lead to an outbreak that can cause significant crop loss. Early detection by crop monitoring when ideal conditions prevail is critical to the success of foliar applied fungicides. 30

31 8. FUNGICIDE PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 500g/L flutriafol ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 120g/L mercury as methoxy ethyl mercuric chloride Effective against primary infection of sugarcane smut, and pineapple disease in plant cane. Highly water soluble and highly systemic fungicide. Provides at least 130 days protection from sugarcane smut infection. Significantly reduces the level of secondary infection of sugarcane smut. Easy to use formulation. Plant cane Spray the setts via whole stalk or billet planters fitted with spray equipment in the planting chute. Apply Sinker at a rate of 500mL/ha (or 7.5mL/100m row) in a minimum of 350L water/ha. The application rate is based on single row cane with a 1.5m row spacing. If row spacing varies from 1.5m then apply at the use rate according to ml/100m row. Ensure thorough coverage of the setts in the planting chute. WATER VOLUME EXAMPLES Apply in a minimum 350L water/ha. Provides excellent protection from pineapple sett rot. Stimulatory effect for more rapid germination and emergence. Works well in cold weather and when germination is slower. Provides up to 10 weeks protection. Formulated with a red dye to make checking coverage easier. Easy to see when product needs changing as the dipping solution turns black when it needs to be changed. Trusted product used for over 40 years. Mercury is a natural occurring element in the environment. Naturally occurring levels in Queensland soils have been measured with wide variations occurring. The results of a study by the SRA shows that while levels within cane paddocks after the use of Shirtan generally show an increase, they were still within the range of naturally occurring levels in untreated soil. DO NOT use poor quality planting material, that is, cane with split stems, poorly cut cane with split and ragged ends, or piped cane. In order to obtain the best results with Shirtan all chopping knives involved in harvesting the seed cane and planting the setts should be clean and sharp to produce clean cuts. Spray nozzle configuration should be checked to ensure complete coverage of all cut surfaces. For use in dip planters ensure thorough wetting of the cut ends of the setts. For dipping small quantities of setts, use wire mesh baskets and dip for approximately 30 seconds. Whilst dipping move the setts about in the solution to ensure thorough wetting. When using dip or return spray planters the solution should be discarded if it changes colour to black or becomes heavily contaminated with soil or trash. Use at a rate of 250mL/200L of water. Do not mix with other products. 31

32 9. FUNGICIDE PROGRAM FOR SUGARCANE Fungicide Program for Sugarcane NORTHERN QUEENSLAND Pest Product Options Active Ingredient Chemical Group JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Autumn Plant Spring Plant Pineapple sett rot Shirtan Sinker 120g/L mercury 500g/L M 3 For dipping of small quantities use wire mesh baskets or crates to contain the cut setts and dip for approximately 30 seconds. For use in spray or dip planters, ensure thorough wetting of cut ends or setts. Apply as a spray onto setts in the planting chute. The spray should be applied to give thorough coverage of all surfaces of the setts before they are planted in the furrow. Sugarcane smut Sinker 500g/L 3 Apply as a spray onto setts in the planting chute. The spray should be applied to give thorough coverage of all surfaces of the setts before they are planted in the furrow. SOUTHERN QLD & NORTHERN NSW Pest Product Options Active Ingredient Chemical Group JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Autumn Plant Spring Plant Pineapple sett rot Shirtan Sinker 120g/L mercury 500g/L M 3 For dipping of small quantities use wire mesh baskets or crates to contain the cut setts and dip for approximately 30 seconds. For use in spray or dip planters, ensure thorough wetting of cut ends or setts. Apply as a spray onto setts in the planting chute. The spray should be applied to give thorough coverage of all surfaces of the setts before they are planted in the furrow. Sugarcane smut Sinker 500g/L 3 Apply as a spray onto setts in the planting chute. The spray should be applied to give thorough coverage of all surfaces of the setts before they are planted in the furrow. For more information, please contact your local Technical Sales Manager. Customer Service (Australia-wide): Shirtan and Sinker are registered trademarks Coloured sections show main application period Refer to the label directions before use 32

33 10. ADJUVANT PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 1000g/L alcohol alkoxylate Bio-degradable wetting and spreading agent. BS 1000 is a biodegradable spray additive containing 100% w/v non-ionic surfactant and is suitable for use with all types of herbicides. It can be used with both acid and alkaline sprays and mixes easily with all types of water. A spray activator for use with knockdown and residual herbicides. It increases herbicide activity by better wetting and absorption and improved spray coverage. Non-flammable, low toxicity. It should be added to all herbicide sprays to increase their efficiency except those which are known to contain adequate wetting agent in the formulation. Wetter should be added only where directed on individual labels, as use with selective herbicides outside label directions may reduce crop selectivity. For foliar active herbicides spray to the point where the leaves and stems are just wet. Spraying beyond this encourages runoff and subsequent loss of spray chemicals. In general, use a high volume spray for soil residual herbicides. It is important that the leaves and stems are thoroughly wetted for foliar herbicides to work efficiently particularly when treating dense tall vegetation. ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 266.2g/L nonoxinol g/L phosphoric acid derivatives Indicates ph - The incorporation of a unique colour indicator in Primabuff makes it easy to see once the optimal ph range has been obtained. By adding Primabuff to the spray water, the water becomes increasingly acidic turning pink (at ph ) once the optimum ph is reached. This prevents alkaline hydrolysis (chemical decomposition) of the active ingredient. Acidifies and buffers - In the unlikely event of over-addition of Primabuff, the spray water is automatically buffered at approx. ph 3. (ie no further ph change occurs). Wets and spreads - Primabuff automatically reduces the surface tension of the spray mixture allowing the spray droplets to flatten and spread, giving greater coverage and hence efficacy. Penetrates - The built-in penetrator in Primabuff moves the pesticide through the waxy cuticular layer, ensuring better pesticide performance. Salts - Primabuff complexes harmful salts that are detrimental to the performance of crop protection chemicals. Reduces compatibility issues - Primabuff allows various spray combinations (those physically compatible) eliminating additional sprays and helping to save costs. Should not be used with copper fungicides due to the chance of increased penetration of the copper in to the leaf and possible phytotoxicity. Fill spray tank with required quantity of water then add Primabuff Bio-Degradable Adjuvant with agitation until required colour change is observed. (Or use testing kit supplied to assess required quantity of Primabuff Bio-Degradable Adjuvant to add to tank). Add Primabuff to the spray tank prior to the addition of other chemicals. To ensure good surfactant properties, use a minimum of 60mL Primabuff Bio-Degradable Adjuvant per 100L water. If the desired colour change is not observed after adding the selected quantity of Primabuff Bio-Degradable Adjuvant, the optimum ph range has not been reached. Continue adding Primabuff Bio-Degradable Adjuvant at a rate of 10mL/100L water, with constant agitation, until the correct shade is obtained. Always agitate Primabuff Bio-Degradable Adjuvant thoroughly when adding to spray tank. A routine check on the ph after the addition of the required rate of Primabuff Bio-Degradable Adjuvant is advisable. Multi-purpose adjuvant containing a ph indicator for use as a wetting, spreading, penetrating, acidifying, buffering and compatibility aid with alkaline sensitive pesticides, herbicides and foliar fertilisers. Useful addition to the following products in alkaline tank water: Astral, Atradex, Barrage, Biffo, Chlorpyrifos EC, Daconate, Comet, Diurex, Ester 680, Gladiator, Nail 600, Shirquat, Spark and Thistle-Killem. DO NOT MIX WITH or HAS NO BENEFIT when applied with: Agtryne, Rifle 440, TriflurX, Tomahawk. 33

34 10. ADJUVANT PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 150g/L rhodamine B ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 600g/L nonyl phenol ethylene oxide condensate Suitable for use with both liquid and powder products and can be used to help identify sprayed areas. Where coloured foam is required for foam markers, add at the recommended rate to the dilute foam mixture. The concentrate and spray solution of Redye is dye fast on contact with most materials. Can be difficult to remove dye from paint work so contact must be avoided. Equipment must be washed out thoroughly after use to avoid colouring in subsequent sprays. Premix Redye with water and add to the spray tank first. Agitate or mix thoroughly in the tank before adding any other product. When using with amine based products such as Amine 625 and Thistle-Killem, ensure that the Redye is thoroughly mixed with the water before adding the herbicide. Use the higher rate if more intense colour marking is required. Plant Care A marking additive for addition to insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. Wetters break the natural surface tension of droplets. Upon contact with the target leaf surface droplets that include a wetter will resist bouncing, will stick to the leaf surface and spread out. Better contact between the chemical and the leaf surface results. Shirwet 600 product has also been specially formulated to be soft on crops as well as providing robust performance in other situations. Shirwet 600 is a non-ionic wetter. Some pesticides break up to form positively and negatively charged particles called ions. If the wetter added to the spray tank is also ionic there is a risk that the wetter will interfere with the pesticide once mixed together in the tank. In some cases this can lead to total loss of activity from the pesticide. This is where the benefit of a non-ionic wetter comes in as a non-ionic wetter will not interfere with the pesticide. Shirwet is designed to be used with herbicides, fungicides and insecticides, which removes the need to purchase many different products. Herbicides Shirwet 600 may be added to all post-emergence herbicide sprays to increase their efficacy except those which are known to contain adequate wetting agent in the formulation. Wetter should be added only where directed on individual labels as use with selective herbicides outside label directions may reduce crop selectivity. For foliar active herbicides spray to the point where leaves and stems are just wet. Spraying beyond this will encourage run-off, with obvious loss of product and efficacy. Add Shirwet 600 at 10mL/100L of spray (2mL/15L knapsack). Shirwet 600 is recommended for addition to all horticultural sprays except those known to include adequate wetting agent in the formulation. Increased activity will be obtained by increasing the rate for waxy leafed plants, which are normally hard to wet. Soil residual herbicides When applying soil active herbicides such as Diurex WG or Atradex WG to standing weeds, add Shirwet 600 to thoroughly wet foliage. Rates will range from 125mL - 500mL/100L. Shirquat 250 contains wetting agents and Shirwet 600 is only required if dilution rates are excessive ie. low chemical rates and high water rates per ha (If the Shirquat 250 rate is less than the ratio of 400mL/100L spray volume add 100mL Shirwet 600 per 100L of spray mix). Shirwet 600 is a spray additive designed for use with fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. It increases wetting and improves spray coverage. 34 9

35 10. ADJUVANT PRODUCT PROFILES ACTIVE INGREDIENT: 350g/L propionic acid 350g/L soyal phospholipids Multipurpose adjuvant which is composed of natural surfactants and penetrants derived from soyabean oils. These are combined with propionic acid to produce a penetrant, surfactant, acidifier for use with herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, foliar fertilisers and plant growth regulators. Acidifying and penetrating surfactant. Enhances the uptake of many systemic herbicides, allowing them to effectively penetrate into leaves, without causing damage to non-target crop plants. Reduces alkaline hydrolysis. Acts as an acidifier which will reduce ph, in most cases to between 4 and 5. This reduces losses due to alkaline hydrolysis and also assists with the uptake of weak acid herbicides. Assists in uptake of foliar fertilisers. Assists in management of spray droplets. Will reduce the number of fine droplets (<150 micron) produced by flat fan nozzles, without increasing the number of large spray droplets (>400 micron). Will reduce the fine droplets associated with, but not eliminate, off-target movement of the pesticide being used. DO NOT mix with copper as it may cause burning of foliage or fall out of solution at low ph. Half fill the spray tank with water and commence agitation. Add the required quantity of Surfact 700 adjuvant then add the recommended quantity of herbicide, insecticide or foliar fertiliser. Addition to herbicides to improve spreading and penetration: Use mL/100L; use high rate on stressed or difficult to control weeds. Reduction of ph to reduce alkaline hydrolysis: Use 100mL/100L; add to water in spray tank before adding other products. To improve uptake of foliar fertilisers: Use mL/100L; tank mixing with other chemicals may cause crop damage so check with supplier before using. Assistance in droplet size management to partially reduce the number of fine droplets produced from hydraulic nozzles by air and ground: Use mL/100L; helps to remove the number of fine droplets. 35