Night spraying: Pesticide efficacy with night time applications

The Challenge

Growers are farming more acres with a seemingly smaller window of application due to environmental factors. With an increased reliance on pesticides under zero-till systems, recommended pesticide applications can sometimes be stretched.

The Project

Evaluate efficacy of pre-seed burn down and in-crop herbicide applications on LL canola, RR canola, wheat and peas at three different spray times; day 12pm-2pm, night 12pm-1am, & early morning 4am-5am. Determine whether night and/or early morning herbicide applications are viable as an alternate spraying time compared to day, while uncovering challenges and successes of each.

The Results

Day application (12pm-2pm) of herbicides yielded the best results, with early morning application (4am-5am) being the least effective. Substantial advantage of day and night applications over early morning.

Grower Benefits

Although not optimal, night applications (12pm-1am) can serve as an alternative time to apply herbicides when day applications are limited.