Drift reducing potential of low drift nozzles with the use of spray-hoods

Abstract

A field study was conducted in November 2013 to assess the drift reduction potential of a three headed spray-hood unit with either DG95-02 or DG95-015 low-drift nozzles used with the hoods either on or off (DG nozzles calibrated at 0.6 litres/min). A standard treatment of 110-03 nozzles calibrated at 1.25 litres/min without hoods was the control. One tank mix of 0.4 g/litre PTSA (1,3,6,8-pyrenetetrasulfonic acid tetrasodium salt) fluorescent dye was used for all treatments. Petri dishes and aluminium plate collectors were placed at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 m downwind in three lines spaced at 10 m. Collectors were placed in plastic bags under cool, dark storage until analysis. Results showed that total drift was reduced up to 99%, compared to the control, when the spray hoods where used.