See tips for timing for herbicide applications during Florida’s May to October rainy season from the UF/IFAS Tip of the Week.

Florida’s rainy season is well underway, and that can make timing for herbicide applications tricky. According to a UF/IFAS Tip of the Week article, “rainy conditions delay grove maintenance, including herbicide spraying, while also impacting the effectiveness of the herbicides.” Rain before or after spraying “can reduce herbicide absorption, translocation, and weed control.” The article shared tips on timing herbicide applications to maximize herbicide applications and reduce waste and herbicide movement.

Timing for Herbicide Applications

The article shared the below tips for timing for herbicide applications. While the tips are aimed at citrus growers, they can be utilized by any grower looking to optimize herbicide applications during the Florida rainy season:

  • “Monitoring weather forecasts and identifying optimal conditions for herbicide applications can help achieve the best results.”
  • “To apply herbicides before it rains, ensure there is enough time for the herbicide to dry and be absorbed by the plants.” You must know the rainfast period, the “necessary interval between application and subsequent rainfall,” of your herbicide. “Check the product label for specific rainfast requirements of each herbicide.”
  • “Avoid spraying immediately after rain. Wait until the leaves are dry before applying herbicides.”
  • “Quick sprays between showers are not effective. Herbicides work best when applied to dry leaves, allowing proper absorption.”
  • “Spraying in windy conditions can cause herbicide drift, potentially damaging citrus trees.”

Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions -or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.