For Control of a Broad Spectrum of Hard-to-Kill Weeds ... - Pest Genie

For Control of a Broad Spectrum of Hard-to-KillWeeds in both Plant and Ratoon CaneFor a long time now, cane growers have relied on Daconate ® to knock back annual and perennial grassesbefore they can use up moisture and nutrients that plant and ratoon cane needs. If you’re looking for a way tocontrol both annual and perennial weeds or to salvage a potential plough out where mature guinea grass andgiant paspalum have been allowed to dominate, Daconate is the answer.Daconate is a soluble liquid containing 800 g/L MSMA (monosodium methanearsonate) which is a group Kherbicide. MSMA is a contact herbicide with limited systemic properties.Versatility is one of Daconate’s many attributes as it can be used over a wide range of situationsincluding plant and ratoon cane, as a directed or a cover spray (refer to label). In both ratoon and plantcane, Daconate is best applied where it can be directed at the targets which also minimises contact withcane foliage. Some cane varieties are more tolerant of Daconate than others, however this can also beattributed to climate. In the northern cane growing areas growers have used Daconate as a cover spraywith very minimal crop effects whereas the same variety grown in the southern areas can show higherlevels of phytoxicity. Daconate is perfectly suited to both plant and ratoon crop situations that have abroadspectrum weed problem. Daconate in conjunction with Diurex and Shirwet is one of the mostbroadspectrum herbicides around, on its own or in combination. It has excellent activity on grasses,both perennial and annual, soft and woody broadleaf weeds and across the range of vines.Daconate has successfully been used to control heavy infestations of wild sorghum, matureguinea grass and giant paspalum grasses. For optimum results as this product is commonlyused in heavy infestations of mature grasses, coverage is critical. Coverage must extend to thebase of the large grasses and therefore water volume is also critical. In nearly all cases wheredense infestations of mature grasses larger than 15 – 20cm in length are being targeted a watervolume of at least 400 L/ha would be required. A 110 0 06 Twin Jet ® nozzle will produce the samedroplet spectrum as a 110 0 03 flat fan nozzle and double the volume. There will be more smallerdroplets for the same volume of spray solution which will provide more effective coverage andmaximise retention on the target. Twin Jet ® 110 0 06 nozzles @ 2.5 bar & 6.5 kph delivers 400L/ha.In most cases Daconate is applied as a directed spray as contact with cane foliage can resultin crop phytotoxicity. The Irvin equipment can be used where grasses are well below theheight of the cane, however where the grass is taller this equipment is some what limited. Insituations where the grass weeds are as tall as the crop, saturation of tall grasses can beachieved utilising adjustable droppers fitted with Floodjet nozzles. To wet the top of theCrop Care – Daconate – Technote Page 1TN09-04DAC-S

grass down to the base. In the case of stooled grasses such as guinea and paspalum, it is important thatthe spray solution reaches the base of the stool. Two Flood jet nozzles size 7.5 operating at 2 bar andtravelling at 6 kph will deliver in excess of 600L per hectare which will be necessary in the situation ofstooled grasses. In these situations Flood jet nozzles are set up one spraying forward and the otherspraying aft with a vertical pattern. An adjustable dropper system can minimise crop damage but if grassesare tall some crop phytotoxicity is to be expected. Usually this will grow out within three weeks. Insituations where grasses are extremely dense Daconate can be sprayed directly over the top of the cane.In situations such as this a split application of Daconate + Diurex ® at 3 L/ha + 1.1 kg/ha applied over the top(in very dense situations) or directed and then followed up three weeks later with a second directedapplication of Daconate at 3 L/ha has given outstanding results.Daconate can also be used as a spot spray at 1L/100L and avoid contact with cane leaves. To improve weedspectrum or residual weed control, add Diurex WG at 550 g/100L.Applying in hot dry weather (in excess of 25 0 C) with low humidity increases the activity of Daconate. Weedsshould not be drought stressed and need to have good vigour.Daconate is compatible with other herbicides such as Crop Care 2,4,-D Amine ® 625, Diurex, BarrageTo maximise the result add Shirwet 600 at 100 mL/100L and if spraying wild sorghum also add 1% crop oil.Daconate is a registered trademark of KMG- Bernath Inc , a Delaware CorporationDiurex is a registered trademark of Nufarm Technologies USA P/LBarrage is a registered trademark of Nufarm Australia LtdThis publication is a guide only and not substitute for professional or expert advice. The product label should beconsulted before use of any of the products referred to in this publication. Crop Care Australasia Pty Ltd shall notbe liable for any results, loss or damage whatsoever, whether consequential or otherwise through the use orapplication of products and / or materials referred to herein.Before using, always read the product label.Contact your local Crop Care distributor for further information:Customer Service Australia Wide: 1800 111 454 II Fax: 07 3909 2040 II www.cropcare.com.auCrop Care – Daconate – Technote Page 2TN09-04DAC-S