Using the right pesticide sprayer nozzle for the job can improve application efficiency, reduce spray drift, and save you money in the long run. But with all the nozzles available and new nozzle recommendations on pesticide labels, how can you be sure you're making the best selection?

Find out at a Nebraska Extension workshop on Nozzle Selection and Pest Management Practices with Pesticides. It will be Friday, Jan. 15 at the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead. The workshop will be from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The workshop will be led by Greg Kruger, Nebraska Extension Weed Science and Application Technology Specialist, whose research focuses on sprayer application technology.

Kruger states, “Understanding what nozzles are out there, how to apply pesticides optimally, and how to maximize the efficacy to prevent or delay resistance is paramount,” Kruger said.

The program will cover the most important factors to consider when trying to minimize pesticide drift. This includes understanding the importance of wind speed, wind direction, boom height, droplet size, and distance to sensitive areas. Participants learn about different tools for monitoring environmental conditions as well as simple things that can be done to mitigate drift incidences.

Nozzle types and their spray pattersna droplet sizes will be cover in depth.

“We will also cover tank mixtures and how they affect droplet size as well as how droplet size can be managed for drift mitigation. Examples of how pesticide labels often cover aspects of how to apply the product to maximize efficacy and/or mitigate drift will be shown.”

Kruger says that applications can be altered in terms of carrier rate, droplet size, and spray solution to increase efficacy. The program will cover a range of products and what can be done to maintain efficacy while mitigating drift or ways to maximize efficacy.

The workshop is limited to 50 participants.  Pre-register to reserve a seat and ensure materials are available the day of the workshop. Contact Nebraska Extension at (402) 624-8000 or cdunbar2@unl.edu.

For questions about the program, contact Nebraska Extension Educator Keith Glewen at (402) 624-8000 or kglewen1@unl.edu.