PERFORMANCE OF HERBICIDE SPRAYING METHODS AT DIFFERENT APPLICATION VOLUMES IN MAIZE

Novel spray nozzles with high penetration efficiency and low drifting rates have been developed in recent years and exists on nozzle market. To determine efficiencies of these new products on weed control in grain maize production we tested Standard flat fan nozzle, Air induction nozzle, Even flat fan nozzle, Air induction under leaf banding nozzle and Row application kit with standard flat fan nozzle at three different herbicide application volume of 200 1.ha-1, 300 l.ha-1 and 400 1.ha-1. Foramsulfuron active ingredient herbicide has sprayed on maize at post-emergence stage. Efficiency levels of each methods has been determined via pesticide coverage rates, weed control efficiency and maize grain yields. As a result, row application kit with standard flat fan nozzle 400 1.ha-1 application volume achieved the best results based on coverage rates (89.2% in year 2013, 80.3% in year 2014), weed control efficiency (85.3% in year 2013, 88,0% in year 2014), and maize grain yields (1267.5 kg.da-1 in year 2013 and 1303.5 kg.da-1 in year 2014). Row application kit with standard flat fan nozzle is the suggestible method for effective weed control in maize cultivation.