Instructions for the use of the drug Zenkor against weeds on potatoes
Zenkor is a herbicide from the German company "Bayer". Effective on annual weed-field grasses. It is used by personal subsidiary and large farms for planting vegetables, including potatoes. Relatively safe for humans and the environment.
The mechanism of action of the drug
The basis of the herbicide is metribuzin (70%). Available in several convenient forms. The active substance is absorbed by all parts of the weed plant, reaches the root system and blocks the process of cell division. Possesses good selectivity in relation to cultivated plants. Zenkor is a selective systemic herbicide.
Keeps protection on potatoes for a long time. Under favorable conditions (no rainfall, mechanical disturbance of the upper layer of the soil) up to 30 days. Small precipitation enhances the effect of the drug, this should be taken into account when preparing solutions.
Does not contribute to the development of immunity in weeds. Combines with other herbicides and pesticides. For a multiplied effect on monocotyledonous weeds (cornflower, yaruk, dope, buckwheat, field peas, burdock, dandelion, wild oats, etc.) Zenkor is used in conjunction with the following preparations:
- Olitref.
- Dual.
- Vernam.
At high air temperatures, prolonged drought, or, conversely, excess moisture, the potato's tolerance to the Zenkor herbicide decreases. The drug weakly inhibits:
- creeping nightshade;
- wheatgrass, bedstraw;
- field loach.
More effective than other herbicides, it destroys sow-thistle, nettles, horseback, shepherd's purse, ragweed, and medium starworm. It exhibits a weak effect on very light soils, where the saturation of humus is less than 2%, as well as on sandstones.
Application features
In the instructions of the drug Zenkor it is recommended to use potato herbicide twice a season:
- Before germination.
- After germination.
Not used when pecking potato sprouts. Before use, the soil is leveled, large lumps are broken. If the soil is dry, it is advisable to moisten it with water to a depth of 2 cm. Pre-emergence treatment is carried out 2-3 days before the emergence of potato sprouts. Consumption is calculated based on the type of soil:
- Light 0.5–0.75 kg / ha.
- Average 0.75–1.0 kg / ha.
- Heavy 1.0–1.5 kg / ha.
For small summer cottages, 10 ml of Zenkora is diluted in 3 liters of water and evenly sprayed an area of one hundred square meters. Germinating weeds are unable to break through the protective film of the Zenkor herbicide.
The solution is used freshly prepared. Empty containers from the herbicide are thoroughly washed with water, the contents are poured onto the treated field.
For postemergence potato processing the herbicide is used on plants up to 10 cm tall. On overgrown bushes, after application of the drug, a weakening of the intensity of the green color of the leaf is recorded. In most cases, the pigment is restored after 10-14 days. No other manifestations of phytotoxicity were recorded. The drug does not have a negative effect on the quantity and quality of the potato crop.
Security measures
The herbicide is used only outdoors. Use with caution on early and mid-season potato varieties. Pre-germination processing is not carried out on such varieties of early-maturing potatoes: Karatop, Alena, Riviera, Lark, Bellarosa and Ariel.
Cultures are highly sensitive to the substance metribuzin. It is not recommended to use the maximum doses of the drug on light soils, the herbicide will negatively affect germination.
Zenkor is used in tank mixes as a base, thus protecting potatoes from weeds, diseases and pests. The instructions for using the drug with sulfonylurea prescribe the addition of Zenkora to the already prepared mixture.
Mix carefully with insecticides, it is advisable to carry out compatibility tests before work. It is forbidden to mix Zenkor herbicide with nitrogen-containing fertilizers.
Avoid combining dry undiluted preparations. An overdose of the product leads to yellowing or complete burnout of seedlings.
At air temperatures above 25 ° C Zenkor is not used for potatoes, since the herbicide will have a toxic effect. The most favorable temperatures for spraying are + 10 ... + 20 ° C. The active substance should saturate the ground by 2–3 cm.
Store in original packaging at a temperature not exceeding +40 ° C. The remains of the Zenkor herbicide are disposed of in deep pits at a great distance from water bodies. Has restrictions on use in the sanitary area.
Despite the fact that the decay period of metribuzin in the soil is 3 months, it is not recommended to plant on the field after chemical weeding in the next season:
- onion;
- cabbage;
- beets;
- sunflower, pumpkin.
These crops are particularly susceptible to the herbicidal preparation.
Release forms
The manufacturer "Bayer" presents several types of Zenkora:
- WG 70 (granular powder).
- Liquid (water-soluble powder, suspension).
- Zenkor ultra (suspension).
The last two forms are more perfect. They have no sediment when diluted with water, they dissolve faster (within 30 minutes).
There are industrial dry matter packages and tanks (5 l). Bottles for private use are available in volume up to 100 g and bags with powder up to 20 g. In addition to potatoes, the herbicide is successfully used on carrots, soybeans, apple trees, and tomatoes.
Other benefits of the drug:
- does not contribute to the spread of mechanically transmitted viruses;
- not toxic to bees and other insects;
- does not require special respiratory protection during work;
- does not have a pronounced odor;
- suitable for use in all climatic zones;
- does not accumulate in the soil.
The instructions for use contain tables with the exact doses of the drug. Expiration date 3 years from the date of production. Long-term tests have confirmed the reliability of the Zenkor herbicide. Combines with other manufacturer's products. Available for sale at reasonable prices.
