Nufarm continues to lead the world in 2,4-D technology with the launch of 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.
It’s an exciting step forward from other 2,4-D products on the market, says Nufarm’s Product Manager Will Porter.
“We know that 2,4-D is really important for farmers in Australia, and we’ve developed something that’s not only faster and more effective on weeds, but also minimises the potential for drift, while having low odour,” Mr Porter said.
“Dropzone builds on Nufarm’s leadership in 2,4-D formulation and stewardship for Australian growers. Dropzone is the next 2,4-D amine formulation post-Amicide Advance 700, which has really become the benchmark in 2,4-D for Australian growers.
“Dropzone offers Australian growers an exciting new 2,4-D technology that ensures the maximum number of effective droplets reach the target weed.”
Droplet optimisation technology reduces buffer zones
Mr Porter said the key factor in Dropzone’s performance is Nufarm’s unique droplet optimisation formulation.
“Most growers are pretty familiar with challenges of spray drift. When you’re spraying, droplets less than 150 microns are ineffective and have an increased potential to drift. The most common solution up to now has been to use a larger spray quality – like very coarse or ultra-coarse – or drift reducing adjuvants (DRA), which both increase droplet size.
“Apart from adding complexity to the job, oversized droplets mean less effective coverage and increased droplet bounce, so by reducing the drift, you’re sacrificing efficacy. It’s a trade-off that can be quite frustrating.”
Dropzone eliminates that trade-off with an innovative formulation that delivers a higher percentage of droplets of the optimal size. The result for growers is a product that’s simpler to use, offers improved weed control and has reduced buffer zones, without the need to adjust the spray quality or add DRA.
“What the new technology means is that we’re getting more of the spray volume at the ideal size – between 150 and 720 microns – so you’re getting excellent coverage and efficacy, while reducing the potential for drift,” Mr Porter said.
“With Dropzone, we’re actually getting up to 96% of spray volume in that ideal zone. There’s no more compromise – that’s what makes it a real game changer.”
Faster and more effective on broadleaf weeds
Nufarm field development officer Mitch Allen said 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% improved efficacy, even on problem weeds like sow thistle.
“We had excellent results and feedback across the board,” Mr Allen said. “Field testing showed superior speed of control and final efficacy compared to existing 2,4-D amine products on the market. We’ve also found that these benefits carry over into tank mixes of other products typically used in fallow applications, like Crucial. It’s highly compatible and very simple to use.”
Low odour formulation
Minimising the odour of 2,4-D products was another focus of the Dropzone formulation. “Everyone knows the odour. It’s not a nice smell and it can be quite unpleasant for both users and the people in the surrounding area, especially if you’re spraying near sensitive or residential areas. Our chemists invested a lot of time and research into reducing the odour to help get rid of that nuisance factor,” Mr Allen said.
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.
“Nufarm has a long history of local 2,4-D innovation, with our dedicated formulation chemists Simon Harbottle and Adrian Craddock developing exciting solutions such as Amicide Advance 700 and now Dropzone,” Mr Porter said.
“As ‘Australian Through and Through’, we always look for ways to support local agriculture through our investment in Australian research, development and manufacturing. That’s why we’ve designed, developed and tested Dropzone right here in Australia, for Australian conditions,” he said.
“We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved with Dropzone. It’s an innovative 2,4-D product we’ve worked hard to develop, with world-first formulation technology – and most importantly, it’s delivering great value to growers.”
