The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is investing in the delivering of effective spray application workshops and is running a series across the Wimmera/North Central and Mallee regions of Victoria next week.
Australia’s leading spray application specialist Bill Gordon of Bill Gordon Consulting will present at the workshops in St. Arnaud, Pyramid Hill, Manangatang and Robinvale.
Mr Gordon will focus on enhancing the performance of sprayers and spray equipment, improving product application to the target and mitigating spray drift risk factors.
One of the key topics Mr Gordon will cover is the recent announcement the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) made regarding 2,4-D products and their application.
As of 3 October 2018, the new 2,4-D label instructions came into effect and old labels have been suspended.
Users of 2,4-D must comply with the new label instructions, even if they are using products with the old labels.
The application of approximately 220 products will be affected with new requirements such as not spraying in inversion conditions and downwind mandatory no spray zones for both aquatic and terrestrial off target vegetation including sensitive crops, gardens, landscaping vegetation, protected native vegetation or protected animal habitat.
Other significant changes include nozzles producing droplets no smaller than the very coarse spray quality, mandatory record keeping requirements and advisory statements about spray application over summer.
BCG extension leader Ciara Cullen said the events will allow discussion on the APVMA changes but also several other critical factors to consider making the spraying program as cost effective and targeted as possible.
“Spraying equipment and inputs reflect a significant investment from growers so to be able to hear from Australia’s leading spray specialist Bill Gordon on how to enhance the performance of you sprayer and thoroughly understand new requirements about 2,4-D applications to mitigate off-target damage is incredibly beneficial coming into the summer spraying period.” Ms Cullen said.
A welcome rain across much of the north west cropping zones of Victoria is likely to result in late season and summer weed control, so workshop timing is pertinent to be well equipped with knowledge and appropriate nozzle selection.
These events are free to attend and are funded through the GRDC effective spray application project. Places are limited at these events, so for more information and to RSVP call Ciara Cullen at BCG on 0437 107 585 or email ciara@bcg.org.au.
The GRDC effective spray application project aims to upskill growers, advisors and spray contractors in the southern region so they have the required knowledge and practical skills to fully understand, plan and implement strategies and practices to maximise spray application effectiveness, safety and mitigate the potential of off-target damage.
