Nufarm continues to lead the world in 2,4-D technology with Nufarm Dropzone. The result of 10 years of research and development, Dropzone is a faster, more efficacious 2,4-D amine with a world-first innovative formulation.
Dropzone is the next 2,4-D amine formulation post-Amicide Advance 700, which has become the benchmark in 2,4-D for Australian growers. With low odour and lower drift potential, it delivers all the benefits of a highly efficacious 2,4-D product, with none of the drawbacks.
Simpler, faster and more effective on broadleaf weeds
Field testing has placed Dropzone at the front of the market for speed and efficacy. Nufarm compared activity against other amine 2,4-D formulations and Dropzone delivered faster brownout and had up to 10 per cent (pc) improved efficacy, even on problem weeds like sow thistle.
Jack Daniel, senior agronomist at Elders Mildura, said the results speak for themselves.
“The Group 4 products and Dropzone have a lot of efficacy on a lot of our weed spectrum here,” he said.
“For things like the various species of thistles, the 2,4-D spikes are an integral part of our summer program. "
"Having a product like Dropzone where you have the confidence to use it in closer proximity to sensitive crops is a real advantage. Where once I would have eliminated 2,4-D completely from those recommendations, it gives me confidence that we’ve got a product that is inherently low risk and we still have that efficacy to deliver on those broadleaf weeds.”
Reduced buffer zones and maximum efficacy thanks to droplet optimisation technology
The key factor in Dropzone’s performance is Nufarm’s unique droplet optimisation formulation. Growers often opt for a larger spray quality or use drift-reducing adjuvants to reduce drift in 2,4-D products, both of which create larger droplets and reduce coverage. Dropzone’s new technology means that it delivers up to 96 pc of spray volume in the ideal droplet size zone – between 150 and 720 microns – which gives excellent coverage and efficacy, while reducing the potential for drift.
For Mark Nulty, a broadacre cropper in Mildura, the low drift and reduced buffer zones allow him to benefit from the superior efficacy of a 2,4-D product without impacting neighbouring properties.
“All of those things are of high use to us. We’ve got some properties extremely close by with crops that are sensitive to some of the products we want to use, especially during the summer to knock down some of the hard-to-kill weeds,” he said.
“Dropzone certainly gives us those advantages.”
Low odour formulation
Minimising the characteristic odour of 2,4-D products is another key benefit of the Dropzone formulation.
“We’re conscious of people being able to smell the products we’re using and the situation we find ourselves in, especially being in close proximity to food processing plants, solar farms and horticulture,” said Mark. “Having that low-odour option now is extremely important to us.”
Developed in Australia for Australian growers
Nufarm has invested significant resources and over 10 years into developing Dropzone, which is another demonstration of its continued 2,4-D stewardship for Australian agriculture and commitment to Australian growers.
This article was written by Nufarm for Seasons magazine.
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