Hooded Crop Sprayer

Hooded Crop Sprayer SPRAYING New Sprayers 2-4-21 A hooded crop sprayer developed by researchers at the Delta Branch Experiment Station, Stoneville, Miss., allows non-selective chemicals to be used on problem weeds without killing or injuring the growing crop. For example, Monsanto's Roundup will kill many weeds - including volunteer corn in soybeans or Bermuda grass in cotton - but it's non-selective and will also kill or injure the growing crop on contact. Hoods on the new-style sprayer allow Roundup and other herbicides to be sprayed in the growing crop without damaging the crop. It was conceived by Dr. Tom Jordan, assistant plant physiologist, and designed by Jim Reamer, agricultural engineer. The flexible hoods are designed with a simple bend (which makes them relatively easy to manufacture) and hinge both vertically and horizontally on a steel rod which connects them together. Fenders located in front lift plants up and over the hood to prevent plant contact with the herbicide being applied. Jordan notes that rates up to 1.5 lb. per acre have been applied successfully to corn up to 14 in. high, and to soybeans and cotton plants up to 5 in, high. On cotton, rates up to 4 lbs. per acre have been applied to plants up to 10 in. high. Jordan forsees a wide variety of possible uses for the hooded sprayer, pending label approval of Roundup and other herbicides for post emergence application with the hooded sprayer. One possibility would be to apply Paraquat to smaller corn, or Roundup on cotton, corn and other crops to control Bermuda grass. Other herbicides which could conceivably be applied with the hooded sprayer include Dalapon, Dinoseb, or MSMA, according to Jordan. He notes that several manufacturers are currently exploring the possibility of producing the hooded sprayer commercially. For more details, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Dr. Tom Jordan, Delta Branch Experiment Station, Box 197, Stoneville, Miss. 38776 (ph 601 686-9311).

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