The new Defy 3D nozzle from Syngenta delivers more even spray coverage for treatments pre-crop emergence up to GS 30 in cereals, according to the company.

In common with the original Defy nozzle, the new 3D nozzle produces a spray that is angled from the vertical and is designed to be used alternating rear- and forward-facing along the boom to treat targets from both sides, not just from above.

Syngenta says the key point with the new nozzle is that it has been engineered to produce very little variation in spray coverage along the boom length and that testing by the company has confirmed this.

For autumn applications, tests have shown the improved spray coverage over the front, top and back surfaces of simulated soil clods versus a conventional fan nozzle and it is this better coverage in all directions that gives the new nozzle its 3D name.

Tom Gartland from Syngenta says that a combination of various factors contribute to its overall efficacy.

“The droplet spectrum of the new nozzle has also been tailored for small targets, and to give fewer small drops in order to reduce drift,” he said.

“Depending on size, the new nozzle offers 60% to 75% less drift compared with a conventional flat fan nozzle. It also gives excellent performance at 100 litres/ha water volume – since the effect of the angled spray outweighs the need for extra water to improve coverage.

“Compared with higher water volumes, 100 litres/ha increases the proportion of time spent spraying versus downtime spent travelling and filling.”

Benefits

“Also, as well as environmental benefits, less drift can mean a greater number of spray days,” he said.

When spraying, Syngenta says the nozzle has been optimised for use at boom heights of between 50cm and 75cm above the target.

Spray pressure for the nozzle should be between two and three bar, but it can be operated down to one bar to maximise drift reduction.

Tom also stated that the nozzles work effectively at sprayer speeds up to 14km/h. It will be available in sizes of 03, 035, 04 and 05.

These nozzles are available through Syngenta Agrichemical distributors and Spraytek Agri Ltd. For further information, contact Tom on 051-377203.