Syngenta has launched the UK's first farm sprayer nozzle designed specifically to optimise droplet penetration in dense vegetable crops. Extensive trials by the company's application specialist, Tom Robinson, identified narrower nozzles, with a 65º fan, and generating high-impact droplet velocity could significantly improve spraying in carrots and cabbages, along with other dense hearted crops, such as lettuce.
Mr Robinson reports trials have shown that Amistar Top can give high levels of Sclerotinia control in carrots, but to get the very best results operators need to get the spray down to the root crowns. "Our trials have shown carrot foliage is like Velcro in capturing droplets; the Syngenta Vegetable Nozzle high-impact design and pattern forces droplets into the crop and gives a far higher overall uptake of fungicide, compared to other commonly used nozzle patterns."
The nozzles' increased retention of Amistar Top spray on the carrot foliage will also give very effective control of Alternaria, he adds.
The Syngenta Vegetable Nozzle is also recommended for insecticide applications in mature cabbages and other hearted crops, where pests can be hidden deep in the plant leaves and difficult to hit with the spray.
Furthermore, Mr Robinson highlights field trials where the Syngenta Vegetable Nozzle has proven to give significantly better results in spraying crops under fleece, compared to other available flat fan, air-induction or hollow-cone nozzles. "We are frequently asked how best to spray young vegetable and potato crops under fleece; these new nozzles will give growers a major step forward in achieving better results with all their applications."
Optimum performance
The Syngenta Vegetable Nozzle is produced by a leading UK manufacturer and available in 06 and 08 sizes, to apply water volumes of 300 or 400 l/ha respectively, when operated at 10 km/hr. "They are designed to fit conventional farm sprayer bayonets, at 0.5m boom spacing, which has given the optimum performance in application trials," said Mr Robinson.
Syngenta Speciality Crops Manager, Bruce McKenzie, added: "Application techniques can make the crucial difference in helping growers increase their yield of top class produce."
He highlights that independent Scottish trials have shown that Amistar-based fungicide programmes can achieve the most effective results for Sclerotinia and Alternaria control, compared to other more expensive strobilurin fungicide applications. "The unique design of the Syngenta Vegetable Nozzle will ensure growers achieve the best possible results with Amistar Top.
"Using the Syngenta Vegetable Nozzle for Plenum, Hallmark Zeon, and Dovetail applications could also help brassica growers meet more effectively retailers' demands for zero tolerance of aphids."
Syngenta has recently launched a dedicated Application Club to provide vegetable crop spray operators with the latest tips and techniques. It also facilitates the sharing of valuable practical experiences of operators' own vegetable application trials, in conjunction with Tom Robinson.
Introductory offer
The Syngenta Vegetable Nozzles are available exclusively from Syngenta, priced £50.00 + VAT per pack of 10 (+P&P). As an introductory offer, growers that purchases six five-litre packs of Amistar Top can purchase their Syngenta Vegetable Nozzles at half price (£25 per pack + VAT + P&P). Call 0800 652 4216 for further details.
