Barricade (Prodiamine) and Carbon Trader – for the Professional Nurseryman

Recent research by Todd Layt of Ozbreed Pty Ltd has found that there’s potential to greatly reduce hand weeding and keep plants greener in winter in Australian Nurseries

In the turf industry a lot of chemicals and other specialist products are widely used. These can have major benefits for the nursery industry, but only if they are ultimately registered or trialled in the growing of plants.

Literature Review from USA:

• USA research shows Prodiamine moves less deeply in the soil or potting mix than Oryzalin.
• Both these chemicals are listed for most plants in the USA. Oryzalin is not listed for many ornamental grasses. Prodiamine OK on ornamental grasses.
• Prodiamine did not do so well on Broadleaf weeds in USA trials, but USA rates are low. Higher rates worked for Broadleaf weeds in Australian trials.

Summary of Research:
Prodiamine: used 30ml per 100 square metres with the following results:

• Broadleaf weeds were not stopped.
• Stopped most grass weeds.
• No harm to health of any plant.
• Weeds were more numerous in control.

Prodiamine: used 45ml per 100 square metres with the following results:

• Broadleaf weeds were reduced, but not totally eliminated.
• Stopped all grass weeds.
• No harm to health of any plant.
• Weeds were far more numerous in control.

Prodiamine: used 60ml per 100 square metres with the following results:

• Broadleaf weeds were totally eliminated.
• Stopped all grass weeds.
• No harm to health of any plant.
• Weeds were far more numerous in control.

Both the garden and container trials showed similar results, although it was noted that the second trial in the garden reduced weeds by more than in the containers. 3-4 months of control.
Soils in the garden were clay. Less drainage should keep more chemical near top of soil.
Syngenta is looking at registering for ornamental pots, growing beds, and landscape plantings i.e plant plants then spray barricade over the top immediately…read more