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Dow AgroSciences' Dilwyn Harris of the 'Chlorpyrifos: Say NO to DRIFT' initiative is highlighting the availability of a new nozzle advice card which has been produced in support of the campaign's drive to see new spraying measures adopted in a bid to secure the future of the active ingredient.

The new guidelines introduced as part of this latest voluntary initiative require that all chlorpyrifos applications are made using LERAP *** three star rated low drift nozzles along with extended 20 metre no spray buffer zone beside watercourses.

"To successfully deliver this change to the way chlorpyrifos is applied we are urging operators to check their nozzle specifications and make sure that the appropriate forward speed, application pressure and boom height are used, vital to retaining the LERAP three star rating in the field," he says.

"It is not enough to simply have the nozzles fitted. Their set up and correct employment is critical," notes Dilwyn.

"An increase in forward speed or pressure above two or three bar could mean the nozzle doesn’t achieve the 75% reduction in drift demanded to qualify the nozzle as three star rated.

"This could mean we fail to deliver the necessary spray reduction needed to have a chance of retaining the products which contain chlorpyrifos on the market," he warns. 

Specific information on selecting a three star rated nozzle and operator advice on how to ensure users are maintaining the rating are provided on the advice card. Growers are reminded that the application volume for chlorpyrifos is set at a minimum 200l/ha, reflected in the example settings given on the card.

"It is vital the advice is adopted rapidly ahead of the next key timing of chlorpyrifos use for Orange Wheat Blossom midge control," notes Dilwyn.

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To receive a copy of the nozzle advice card, please contact the 'Chlorpyrifos: Say NO to DRIFT' enquiry line on 08450 261 120 or send an email to enquiries@saynotodrift.co.uk. Alternatively the nozzle card can be downloaded at www.saynotodrift.co.uk.