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Spray drift potential of dicamba plus S-metolachlor formulations
Bruno Canella Vieira1, Guilherme Sousa Alves1, Barbara Vukoja1
1West Central Research and Extension Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, North Platte, Nebraska, USA.
Pest Management Science
|December 29, 2021
Summary
A new capsule suspension formulation of dicamba plus S-metolachlor reduced pesticide drift potential compared to a tankmix. This formulation, combined with specific nozzles, offers improved weed management strategies with reduced environmental impact.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Weed Science
Background:
- Postemergence herbicide applications in the USA often utilize S-metolachlor for late-emerging Amaranthus spp. control.
- Tankmixing herbicides can alter spray droplet size and increase drift potential, impacting efficacy and the environment.
- Novel herbicide formulations aim to reduce spray drift, particularly for premixes with multiple active ingredients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the spray drift potential of a novel dicamba plus S-metolachlor premix formulation (capsule suspension).
- To evaluate drift potential against a tankmix of dicamba (soluble liquid) and S-metolachlor (emulsifiable concentrate).
- To assess the influence of different venturi nozzles on drift potential.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of spray drift potential between a capsule suspension premix and a tankmix formulation of dicamba and S-metolachlor.
- Utilized various venturi nozzles (MUG, ULDM, TDXL-D, TTI) to evaluate their effect on spray characteristics.
- Quantified spray drift deposition and its impact on non-target crops (soybean and cotton) through biomass reduction measurements.
Main Results:
- The MUG nozzle exhibited a larger DV0.5 (1128.6 μm) compared to other nozzles.
- The capsule suspension premix formulation resulted in a greater DV0.5 (971.0 μm) than the tankmix (922.3 μm).
- Both nozzle type and herbicide formulation significantly influenced spray drift deposition and crop biomass reduction, with the premix showing reduced area under the drift curve (AUDC).
Conclusions:
- Advances in pesticide formulation technology, specifically the capsule suspension premix, can significantly mitigate pesticide drift.
- The choice of nozzle also plays a crucial role in reducing spray drift, with the MUG nozzle showing lower AUDC.
- These findings support the development of improved herbicide formulations and application techniques for enhanced weed control and reduced environmental risk.
