Grain Guide 2018

GRAIN GUIDE 2018 Tank mixtures can sink pest control Most of the time producers underestimate the impact a tank mixture of agrochemicals has on crop production. Important to remember: Tank water must be corrected if pH is too low or too high. Hard water (e.g. high sodium and/or calcium levels in water) can prevent herbicide from dissolving effectively in water. Sequence in which agrochemicals must be mixed in tank mixtures: 1 Ammonium sulphate/buffers 2 Water soluble bags 3 Water soluble granules 4 Wettable powders 5 Suspension concentrate 6 Capsule suspensions 7 Suspo emulsions 8 Oil in water emulsions 9 Emulsifiable concentrates 10 Liquid foliar nutrition 11 Soluble liquid formulations 12 Wetting agent The formulation of a herbicide is an indica­ tion of the solubility of a product in water. Where products are mixed, first dissolve small amounts of the products in water and mix well before mixing with the rest of the tank water (already prepared) (particularly granular formulas). Certain herbicides can be successfully (and in accordance with registration) mixed with an insecticide, but as a rule fungicides cannot be mixed with herbicides. The addition of any other products like growth regulators and additives (penetra­ tors, wetting agents) must be done very carefully. Only registered products with indications on their labels may be added and mixing instruc­ tions must be followed at all times. Dr Elbé Hugo, Syngenta SA The seed of most seed companies is treated with fungicide and/or insecticide or both and is sold like that to producers. There are also various products on the market that can be used as plant growth regulators to promote emergence and arrangement. Furthermore it is a common practice among maize producers to plant with pre-emergence herbicides. Therefore, several instances can arise where different agrochemicals are mixed with one another. However, these prod­ ucts must be mixed strictly according to registration prescriptions. Product labels of herbicides contain a section where the ‘mixability’ is addressed to prevent agrochemicals from being mixed together randomly. Disadvantages of unregistered tank mixtures:  Products are inconsistent and precipitate, foam and/or thicken.  This causes clogging of spray equipment.  Herbicide is not a homogeneous solution.  Herbicide dosage is affected (too high or too low).  Too little herbicide reaches the target plant (weed).  Ineffective weed control.  Crop damage right after administration.  Delayed effect on crop – perhaps only visible later in season (yield losses/quality of yield affected).  Extended aftereffect in soil.  Risk of any damage borne by the producer himself. For further enquiries, contact Elbé Hugo at 082 885 0716 or send an email to Elbe.Hugo@Syngenta.com . 84 Pest control