Top Wind to Spray Fungicides

[Guest]

What is everyones max wind speed for applicating fungicides? I know most dont like to go over 25km/hr for herbicides but I understand the drift issues. I just want to apply the fungicide to the right place as they cost enough. Currently in that 30-40km/hr range. Thoughts appreciated.

[farmaholic]

The day I sprayed my peas we probably had gusts up to 30km/h. As I said Mother Nature's air assist. Peas weren't really moving....all tied together. I think the only guys who would care if fungicides drifted on their crop would be the Organic Producers....be respectful.

[biglentil]

Too be or not to be, by air or by ground, if by ground crop dividers of no cropdividers? That is the question.

Going for coverage produces alot of fines so winds over 30km a no go.

[ado089]

I don't mind drift on my organic crop...as long as it's the right product. Haha

[dmlfarmer]

A number of fungicides are toxic to bees. Drift into a area where bees are actively foraging or will be will kill bees. (ie blooming canola, alfalfa peas etc) Some fungicides are also toxic to fish and birds. Just because fungicide drift does not kill a neighbouring crop does not mean you can spray in windy conditions. As a rule, if it is too windy to spray a herbicide it is too windy to spray a fungicide. Read the label!

[jcv]

Most fungicides registered in Canada for field crops, has no warning to bees, or any we may use.
There has been some detected in pollen which makes sense as they are collecting it from treated fields, but to say it is toxic is not the case.
Insecticides are obviously more of a concern, but can be managed to avoid bee timing.

[dmlfarmer]

From Labels:

Quilt:Toxic to certain beneficial insects. Minimize spray drift to reduce harmful effects on beneficial insects in habitats next to the application sites such as hedgerows and woodland.Toxic to aquatic organisms and non-target terrestrial plants

Prosaro: Toxic to birds, small wild animals, aquatic organisms and non-target plants

Twinline: Toxic to aquatic organisms, non-target terrestrial plants and small wild mammals.
(interestingly, the US Twinline label also states "This product is toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment or residues on blooming crops or weeds")

USDA press release: "Exposure to sublethal levels of fungicides leaves honey bees more vulnerable to Nosema"

[furrowtickler]

If herbicide season was any indication I am sure some may think 60-70 k winds will work just fine

[jcv]

Most recent labels on fungicides, have no need for the research for an addition to the label.
Not trying to get too involved, but Quilt is Tilt-Propoconazole, and Quadris, both older chemistries with the research done.

[Guest]

Well it was not the wind that held up production this weekend it was the constant forecast of rain. We got SFA out of it which is ok for now but missed 2-3 days of fungicide application. How do you direct message someone on this site?? Would like to ask furrow about the kugler/palliser mix.

[furrowtickler]

What ya need to know ?
The most effective mix for me and others on wheat is 2530 at 4-5 LT , a LT of ortho phos and 75% palliser.

[furrowtickler]

I found that it's more consistent than straight XRN or 2075 at heading .
i went from less than a bus per ltr applied and small increase in protein to 1.5 bus per ltr applied and over 1% gain protein in all side by side tests.
In cases of high fertility results with the 70% slow release products were inconsistent from small bumps to flat to a few negative .
I am still working on the canola side of it , but it seems to be a mix 2075 and ortho is working much better and more consistent as well.
I am trying to keep the cost at $15/AC or less, the environment here is too inconsistent to risk any more than that.
At 3 ltr Kugler and 1 ltr ortho the cost is around $10.
Some areas have used far higher rates with very good results but here the limiting factor is usually rain or lack of it at key times.