TouchdownPlant Protection Product ComparisonPlant Protection Product ComparisonReport inaccuraciesReport inaccuracies

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Touchdown is a non-selective foliar-applied herbicide which is absorbed by green plant tissue and translocated through the plant. Weeds must be growing well for optimum performance. Any conditions, e.g., cold or overcast, which slow plant growth will delay or inhibit weed control. Avoid treating plants that are stressed from soil moisture deficit, frost, pests and diseases, and waterlogging. Plants covered with dust may be less susceptible.

Touchdown causes yellowing and wilting of above-ground parts by browning and death. Visible symptoms may take from several days to 3-4 weeks to appear, depending on the weed species and the weather conditions. In perennials, Touchdown controls underground roots and buds, and symptoms may not be visible for a period of up to 6 weeks. Control of regrowth may not be evident until the following season.

Touchdown is absorbed and inactivated by soil particles and will not provide residual control of weeds. Where longer-term weed control is required, Touchdown can be tank mixed with certain residual herbicides (see compatibility) or follow-up applications can be made.

Touchdown is water-soluble and can be washed off plants by rain. Do not spray if rain is likely to occur within 6 hours. Retreatment may be necessary if heavy rain (e.g., 4 mm) occurs within that time.

Resistant Weeds Warning

Touchdown Herbicide is a member of the glycines group of herbicides. Touchdown has the inhibitor of EPSP synthase mode of action. For weed resistance management, Touchdown is a Group M herbicide. Some naturally occurring weed biotypes resistant to Touchdown and other inhibitors of EPSP synthase mode of action herbicides may exist through normal genetic variability in any weed population. The resistant individuals can eventually dominate the weed population if these herbicides are used repeatedly. These resistant weeds will not be controlled by Touchdown or other inhibitors of EPSP synthase mode of action herbicides. Since the occurrence of resistant weeds is difficult to detect prior to use, Crop Care Australasia Pty Ltd accepts no liability for any losses that may result from the failure of Touchdown to control resistant weeds.

APPLICATION

Avoid direct or indirect contact (through spray drift) of desirable plants.

Aerial application

Use the recommended rate of Touchdown in 20-30L of water per ha.

Boom equipment

Use the recommended rate of Touchdown in 30-250L of water per ha. The amount of water required will vary depending on the density and size of the weeds to be controlled. Where the lower rates of Touchdown are used for fallow weed control, use the lower water volumes. A calibrated boom fitted with flat fan nozzles operating at the optimum pressure and height for that nozzle is recommended.

Knapsack and high-volume equipment

Select or adjust nozzle(s) to give a fine spray without causing undesirable run-off.

Wiper equipment

Touchdown can be applied through hand-held or machine-mounted wiper equipment in non-crop areas and to selectively control weeds in crops and pastures. There must be sufficient height differential between the weed and crop/pasture to allow maximum contact of the wiper with the weeds without touching desirable vegetation. Mix 1 part Touchdown with 2 parts clean water. For machine-mounted wipers, ground speed should be 4-8 km/hr. Two passes, at right angles or in the opposite direction, will give better results.

Controlled Droplet Application equipment (CDA)

Use the following table as a guide for achieving correct application rates using the Microfit *Herbi or similar equipment. See Species Controlled tables for specific rates and use recommendations. For hand-held equipment, a walking speed of approximately 1 m/set (3.6 km/hr) is recommended.

Rate of Touchdown delivered at 1 ml/sec | 3 L/ha | 6 L/ha | 9 L/ha

Mixture (by volume) Touchdown : water | 1:3 | 1:2 | 1:1

Microfit *Herbi, nozzle | Blue | Blue | Yellow

Mixing

Use only clean, soft water. Use of dam water containing soil particles, or hard water e.g., from bores containing calcium salts, may reduce efficacy. Fill the clean spray tank 2/3 full with water. Add the required volume of Touchdown and agitate. Complete filling the tank with the hose end under the surface to minimize frothing.

Compatibility

Touchdown can be mixed with the following herbicides and additives where recommended: Atradex WG, Diurex WG, Simagranz. These additives may slow down initial activity of Touchdown, but final weed control is not affected. Addition of crystalline or liquid ammonium sulfate is not required with these products. Add the partner herbicide to the tank when 2/3 full under agitation, then the Touchdown and complete filling. Touchdown can be mixed with Goal @ at the spike rate of 75 mL Goal/ha to increase speed of kill and to aid control of harder-to-kill weeds such as storksbill Erodium spp. Add the Goal to the 2/3 full spray tank under agitation, then the Touchdown and complete filling. Do not use a tank mix of atrazine and Touchdown for barnyard grass control. Also, mixtures of other formulations of simazine, atrazine, and diuron may reduce the activity of Touchdown.

Additives

Pulse @I penetrant: 200 mL/L of spray solution for use with Touchdown against bracken only.

PROTECTION OF CROPS, NATIVE AND OTHER NON-TARGET PLANTS

DO NOT apply under weather conditions or from spraying equipment which may cause spray to drift onto nearby susceptible plants/crops, cropping lands, or pastures.

PROTECTION OF LIVESTOCK

Low hazard to bees. No special precautions are required.

PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE, FISH, CRUSTACEANS, AND ENVIRONMENT

DO NOT contaminate dams, rivers, or streams with the product or used container. DO NOT apply to weeds growing in or over water. DO NOT spray across open bodies of water.

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL (Non-Returnable Containers)

Store in the closed, original container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated room or place away from children, animals, food, feedstuffs, drink containers, seed, and fertilizers. Do not store for prolonged periods in direct sunlight. Triple or (preferably) pressure rinse containers before disposal. Add rinsings to the spray tank. DO NOT dispose of undiluted chemicals on-site. Break, crush, puncture, and bury empty containers in a local authority landfill. If not available bury the containers below 500 mm in a disposal pit specifically marked and set up for this purpose clear of waterways, vegetation, and roots. Empty containers and product should not be burnt.

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL (Returnable Containers)

Store in a closed, original container in a well-ventilated area as cool as possible and away from children, animals, food, feedstuffs, seed, and fertilizers. DO NOT store for prolonged periods in direct sunlight. Empty contents fully into application equipment. Close all valves and return to the point of supply for refill or storage.