Spray With Care

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30531, 28 August 1964, Page 6

Spray With Care

Before applying any spray read carefully the instructions on the container and make sure it will control the trouble which is . affecting your plants. Don rubber gloves before dispensing any of the concentrates, even if there is no warning on the instructions. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Follow mixing instructions in detail and do not use larger quantities than advocated. Do not use kitchen utensils for measuring quantities. Keep a special set that is clearly marked. Keep , these and ahy chemicals well out of the reach of children, • preferably under lock and key when not in use. It Is not advisable to mix chemicals in the machine in which they are to be applied. Use a. separate container, preferably a clean plastic bucket.

Measure the required amount of chemical and pour it into the bucket first. Carefully add the water, stirring at the same time.

Strain it when transferring it to the spraying machine.. Some machines have strainers fitted, but an bld nylon stocking will prove quite efficient. This prevents foreign matter or undissolved powder from blocking nozzles and interfering with the efficient working of the machine. Finally, add the wetting agent, if necessary. Once a spray has been made up it should be used immediately and not left standing about. Don protective clothing where this is advocated. When spraying do not smoke and do not spray in windy weather.

Application of the spray should be systematic, to avoid wastage, and to reach every part of the plant, with a minimum of effort.

When a row of plants requires attention, start at one end and systematically work from plant to plant. The accompanying diagram illustrates the procedure I have found most effective for minimising the retracing of ground already covered. The actual method of application is dependant on the type of spray equipment on hand. Make sure that at all times you have an even pressure of spray. Where it is necessary to build up a pressure by pumping, do this before you release the opening valve. Begin at the top of the plant and work downwards as you move around it. Plants or parts of plant should not be oversprayed a second time. If the tank is empty before you have finished spraying all plants, mark the place where you finished. As soon as spraying has been finished clean out the machine and wash all equipment that may have been used.

No one sprays while it is raining but it sometimes happens that rain falls soon afterwards. Generally it then becomes necessary to spray again.