We often get asked questions about pesticides such as "What rate do I need to use?", "How do I apply it?", "When can I mow the lawn?" and "Do I water it in?". The answers to all of these can be found on the product label but it can be a daunting experience if you don't know what you are looking for. By the end of this article, you should be confident enough to read the labels and find the information you're seeking.
At the start of the label we have DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
This area has any Restraints or things you should NOT be doing with the product. For example, rainfast periods of 4 hours, 8 hours or more, Do not apply to waterlogged soil, turf under stress etc.
We then have the Application Table which outlines the types of turf the product can be used on, the weeds it is registered to control or suppress, the rate of product to use, application volume of water to apply in and any information that might have an effect on its efficiency (eg Use a surfactant, application timing, repeat applications etc).
It is important to note the sentence in bold under the table stating, "NOT TO BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE, OR IN ANY MANNER, CONTRARY TO THIS LABEL UNLESS AUTHORISZED UNDER APPROPRIATE LEGISTLATION". This means if you intend on using the product to treat a weed or plant that is not listed in the controlled section of the table or it is not registered for use on turf, you are committing a crime and potentially be liable.
We then have instructions on Mixing, addition of Surfactants to help the product stick or penetrate the target plant as well as Mowing.
There may be specific instructions for the Application – This can list nozzle and strainer requirements (eg Spartan requires an extremely coarse droplet nozzle and no more than a 50 mesh strainer), volume of application water, watering in requirements post application, boom heights etc.
The Compatibility section outlines other products the pesticide has been tested to be compatible with and may be tank mixed with no adverse effects to the mixture or efficiency of either product.
Then there are instructions on how to clean out your spraying equipment, if any specialized products are required to neutralize the pesticide.
The Resistant Weed Warning identifies the herbicide group number that the product belongs to. This is from the Mode of Action. If a weed is resistant to one group, using another product with the same group number also likely will not work.
The Precautions section is all about safety.
Re-Entry Period is the time in which it is safe for people (and pets) to re enter the area after application. There is information on how hazardous the product is to non-target flora as well as wildlife, fish and aquatic animals as well as how to reduce their exposure. Storage and Disposal is for how to store the concentrated product and dispose of the empty packaging once used.
Safety Directions will list the PPE requirements for opening, mixing and using the product as well as what to do if the product gets on your skin, in your eyes etc.
We hope this blog has provided a bit of guidance and information on how to read labels. When you are familiar with a few products, many sections read very similar across products so you can quickly locate the specific information you need.