Getting the product from the bottle to the plants may have been an enormous challenge for our cave-dwelling forefathers. But nowadays, thanks to modern technology and the advent of plastics, poisoning ourselves and our environment has become a very simplified process.
You may notice that most of the tools we discuss and offer are for small-scale use. That’s because a properly run pest and disease management program — even a very large-scale one — will make most broad coverage treatments obsolete. Micromanage and save time, materials, and money. The nuclear bomb approach is falling out of fashion.
Here are the products we discuss in this section:
Sprayers
Hose-End Sprayer
A hose-end sprayer has a reservoir from which, by way of a siphoning effect, extracts a concentrated liquid, dilutes it, then sprays the final solution from its nozzle. Some hose-end sprayers add water to this reservoir (think Miracle-Grow feeder), while others extract only. For our purposes, we specify the latter.
A hose-end sprayer of this type is not practical for applying granular, water-soluble or chemical fertilizers and such. It is, however, the easiest and most accurate way to apply nematodes in any area which can be reached by hose.
This application is the main reason we discuss this product-type. Other applications would include the dilution and dispersal of other liquid-based products. The reservoir’s contents (at least the one we carry), when full, dilutes up to 132 gallons of ready-to-use product.
You may purchase a Hose-End Sprayer online now!
Handheld Pressurized Sprayer
For applying mist water to thwart spot infestations of spider mites, or to spot spray with insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, fungicides, etc., this product is just what the doctor ordered.
A handheld pressure sprayer is typically (we’ve carried a few over the years) an excellent, high quality, ruggedly constructed product designed to last for many years — possibly a lifetime if properly maintained.
To use one, fill it will your liquid of choice, secure the screw-on top, pump it up about 20 times with the easy-to-use T-like handle pump, then depress the trigger to spray. It will continue spraying until the air pressure is depleted. No more tired trigger finger. An adjustable nozzle allows the user to quickly select a from powerful stream of about 12′ to an ultra fine mist, or anywhere in-between.
In our opinion, this is must-have tool for spot spraying, and the price is definitely right. Capacities are rated in pints, but the actual working capacity is somewhat less than the physical capacity of the tank as a certain amount of “head room” is required.
Tank Pressurized Sprayer
The typical tank-pressurized sprayer is of lightweight polyethylene construction tank sprayer with a cylindrical or elliptical design which makes it easy to handle. Most feature some sort of funnel-like top, a fluid level indicator, a reinforced hose, a brass or plastic wand, a carry strap for ease in portability, and an adjustable nozzle allowing the user to select from a powerful stream to a delicate, ultra-fine mist. Some are larger than others and configured like a backpack. They are, in fact, referred to as “backpack sprayers.” This type of human-portable spray rig can be as small as a gallon to several gallons. The actual working capacity is somewhat less, though, than the physical capacity of the tank as a certain amount of “head room” is required.
Great for applying Bt to small to medium-size trees, plus spraying other products, insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, neem, fungicides, etc.
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Applicators
Dustin-Mizer Dust Applicator
For applying diatomaceous earth, micronized sulfur fungicide, copper-sulfate, or any powdered substance, the Dustin-Mizer is absolutely the best product on the market; rated #1 by Organic Gardening, and should be by the commercial grower publications, as well (Greenhouse Grower, GMPro, NMPro, GrowerTalks, and others). If your commercial operation is 20,000 sq. ft. or less, and you work with any dust product, you should seriously consider purchasing one of these handy tools. Greenhouse, nursery, or field, it doesn’t matter, 20K or under, and this product is a viable labor solution for thorough dust application.
It comes partially disassembled: with a crank body assembly, crank handle and 15.5″ discharge tube. It will snap together in about 1 minute; and no tools are required. As an option, an extension/deflector attachment is available. This attachment allows the user better directional control. It is especially useful when under-leaf dust applications are desired.
The Dustin-Mizer is simple to use: fill the hopper (which unfortunately only holds about a pound of material, but the tool is a mizer), snap the hopper cover on, aim, and turn the crank. The combination of intermediate and impeller gears make for a blindingly-fast venturi action which in turn accelerates the screened dust at very high velocity through the discharge tube.
The Dustin-Mizer makes dust applications a breeze — literally. Actually, it’s more like a hurricane-force wind (as you’ll find out when you inevitably try it on yourself after the delivery driver leaves). The Dustin-Mizer makes for economical, efficient, and even distribution. All parts are noncorrosive and built to last for many years. Rated #1 by The Green Spot, too.
You may purchase a Dustin-Mizer Kit online now!
Whirly-Bird Granule Spreader
For applying Nosema locustae, Bt-k Dipel 10G, and other loose or granular products including seed, fertilizers, ice-melt material, etc., this whirlybird-type tool is an excellent choice. But now it has an important new use concerning the application of certain biocontrol agents. Certain biocontrols like Neoseiulus =Amblyseius cucumeris and Hypoaspis miles in a loose carrier, for example, can be evenly distributed over crops by sprinkling them out of the container. This is easily carried out on plants with broad surfaces or for small areas. For larger areas, or on plants with small, strap-like leaves, a broadcast spreader is really handy.
To use, all you have to do is full the hopper (which holds from 3-6 pounds of material), select the distribution setting (4 range adjustable, complete instructions are included), turn the crank, and go. This granule spreader efficiently, evenly and effectively covers up to a 12-14 foot wide swath per pass (less if you want), directly ahead of and two feet to the right and to the left — at a 90 degree angle — of the operator. The product we carry is all plastic, noncorrosive, easy to maintain product is inexpensive, lightweight, and built to last. It’s a really smart buy.
You may purchase a Granule Spreader online now!
Distribution Boxes
Here’s another option for loose pupae and eggs or mites in flowable rice-hull, bran, and vermiculite carriers. All of these things are sometimes difficult to apply in certain plantings: small, smooth leaves, hydroponics facilities, etc. These are all good examples of where these boxes would be of great value to many growers and interiorscapers. Another would be orchard mite applications.
Hang these distribution boxes from your plants’ or trees’ branches. Then add the material containing your beneficials. The bugs will crawl out on their own when ready. Please note that these boxes should be purchased well ahead of time and painted green (outside only) if they’re going to be used in public interiorscapes as red, white and blue tends to stand out and scream, “look at me.”
As an option, you can use Dixie cups and other small vessels to hang and fill with a biocontrol agent carrier. There’s no need to purchase these things.
You may purchase Distribution Boxes online now!
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