Love it, or love to hate it… glyphosate is a powerful and widely used herbicide for controlling weeds at home, in plant nurseries, orchards, pastures, parks, and sports grounds.
For the herbicide geeks, here’s a quick definition of its structure – Glyphosate consists of a phosphonate group, a carboxylic acid group and an amine group. This unique composition makes it a potent herbicide, disrupting the shikimic acid pathway crucial for weed growth.
Glyphosate effectively targets both broadleaf and grassy weeds. Since the 1970s, it has been a valuable tool for plant producers because it can manage weeds across a wide variety of crops without harming desirable plants.
Weed control in plant nurseries.
Weed management is crucial for maintaining the health and quality of plants in a nursery or garden centre. Weeds compete with plants for water, nutrients and light. Unfortunately, they grow rapidly and will outcompete nursery stock if not controlled, leading to stunted plant growth and lower quality.
Weeds can serve as hosts for pests and diseases, increasing the risk of infestations and infections to nursery plants, reducing quality and introducing costs and stress to manage the problem.
Unsightly weeds also detract from the visual appeal of a plant nursery, potentially affecting sales and reputation.
Weed-free growing conditions create the best environment for plants to thrive, resulting in higher quality and better market value.
Finally, if left unchecked, weeds can produce large quantities of seeds and increase in subsequent growing seasons.
We recommend controlling the issue with our SmartGro Clean-Up which can reduce the need for labour-intensive (costly) hand weeding. And for pre-emergence annual weed control (i.e. preventing the germination and establishment of weeds before they emerge from the soil), our customers are getting excellent results when mixing Timberwolf into their spray mix.
Environmental impact.
Despite ongoing public debate, glyphosate is not banned in New Zealand. Like all chemical use, responsible stewardship is required to minimise environmental impacts.
Integrated weed management strategies, crop rotation, and reduced reliance on herbicides are vital to mitigating environmental risks, and we cover the topics below.
Avoiding risk to plants.
The timing of glyphosate application in nurseries is essential to controlling weeds and minimising potential plant harm. If not applied correctly, glyphosate can drift onto foliage or roots, causing damage like leaf necrosis, stunting, wilting, and chlorosis. Even low concentrations of glyphosate in the soil can hinder root development and overall plant growth.
The best time to apply glyphosate is during the early stages of weed growth. Ideal weather conditions are mild temperatures, low wind and no rain for at least 24 hours after application. Avoiding adverse weather conditions helps maximise its performance and reduce the risk of drift or runoff to valuable plants.
It’s essential to consider the growth stage of nursery plants. Applying glyphosate before planting or transplanting allows for smart weed control without the risk of herbicide contact with emerging plants.
Different weed species have varying susceptibility to glyphosate, and weed density can also influence herbicide effectiveness. Assess the weed species in your nursery and their growth characteristics to determine the best timing for glyphosate use.
By implementing a few sensible precautions, weeds can be managed without compromising plant health and quality. Here are some additional tips:
- Targeted Application: Using targeted methods such as shielded sprayers will help minimise glyphosate contact with desirable plants. We have a good range of knapsack sprayers and drift guards. We also recommend using red marker dye for greater visibility of where you have sprayed.
- Equipment Calibration: Ensure all equipment is calibrated correctly to deliver the correct herbicide dosage and coverage. Regularly inspect and maintain sprayers to prevent leaks or malfunctions that could result in unintended herbicide exposure.
Worker safety.
Worker safety is paramount when using herbicide in nurseries. Exposure to chemicals can pose health risks to your team if safety measures are not implemented.
Keep everyone safe with a few sensible measures and checks:
- Training: provide comprehensive training to nursery workers on the safe handling, storage and application of glyphosate, along with the correct emergency response procedures.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Gear: Ensure your team has the right gear, we have an excellent range of protective clothing and equipment, gloves, and respiratory protection.
- Proper Mixing and Application: Follow manufacturer instructions for glyphosate mixing and application to ensure accurate dosing and minimise the risk of spills or splashes. Shop our measuring jugs and accessories.
- Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in areas where glyphosate is mixed or applied to prevent the build-up of vapours or aerosols.
- Restricted Access: Restrict access to areas where glyphosate is being applied to minimise the risk of bystander exposure. Shop our range of warning and safety signs.
Lastly, if you would like further information on glyphosate regulations and best practices, check the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website or contact us – we will do our best to assist.
