Field Study Using Fluorescent Blank Furadan ® 15G Granules and a John Deere 7000 MaxEmerge Planter for the Reduction of Granule Exposure

Abstract

Avian exposure to granular insecticides can be reduced by using novel planter technologies in conjunction with traditional methods of incorporating the granules during application. This study describes a field-based investigation that compares T-band and in-furrow application methods with and without a granular cut-off device. Fluorescent blank Furadan 15G granules were used throughout the study to allow a photographic (and therefore a quantitative) record of exposed granules at the mid-field, lift, post-lift, turn-row, and post-drop positions. These data clearly indicate that in-furrow application significantly reduced exposed granules when compared to T-band application. The cut-off device also significantly reduced exposed granules in the turn-rows, when used in conjunction with T-band or in-furrow application. Of the four treatment regimens, the in-furrow application with the cut-off device resulted in the greatest reduction of exposed granules.