Optimising aerial herbicide treatment for control of dense conifer infestations: a New Zealand case study.

Background: Conifers, mainly of the genus Pinus, have invaded natural and productive landscapes worldwide. Controlling dense conifer invasions is challenging and requires both effective initial control methods and long-term site management to prevent re-invasion. Broadcast aerial herbicide application is often the preferred treatment method for dense infestations of pines with high rates of complex herbicide mixtures used.

Efficacy of Fungicides Applied for Protectant and Curative Activity Against Myrtle Rust.

Myrtle rust, caused by the pathogen , affects species of the Myrtaceae, many of which are endemic to Australia and New Zealand. Originating from South America, is now present in both countries, necessitating effective chemical control for disease management. Using an artificial inoculation protocol, the efficacy of eight fungicides (tebuconazole/trifloxystrobin, cyproconazole/azoxystrobin, fosetyl aluminum, triforine, triadimenol, oxycarboxin, copper, and tebuconazole) applied as curative or protectant treatments was tested on two native New Zealand species ( × and ).

Effect of dose and adjuvant on uptake of triclopyr and dicamba into needles.

Management of dense infestations of wilding in New Zealand requires high doses of herbicides; 18 kg active ingredient (a.i.) ha triclopyr and 5 kg a.

Swath pattern analysis from a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle configured for pesticide application.

Background: Although unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly used to deliver small-scale aerial pesticide applications, there remains uncertainty over their efficiency in terms of uniformity of spray deposition and their application efficiency. Consequently, a field study was designed to quantify factors influencing the uniformity of spray deposition from a multi-rotor UAV that is operated commercially in New Zealand. Two sampling systems for measuring spray deposition, a continuous horizontal string and steel plates placed on the ground were compared.

The Effect of Formulation, Dose, and Adjuvants on Uptake of Phosphite Into Pine Foliage.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of dose and adjuvant on uptake of two phosphite products (Phos-A and Phos-B) into Pinus radiata needles. In experiment 1, uptake of 6 kg ha phosphite, applied as Phos-A, in 100 liters of water, together with an organosilicone superspreader (0.2%), was high (>60%).

An aerial spot-spraying technique: a pilot study to test a method for pest eradication in urban environments.

Background: Pest eradication strategies that use pesticides require application methods that have the lowest environmental and human health impact while maintaining the highest probability of success. This is highly important when eradication takes place in sensitive areas, such as urban or riparian zones. A new aerial application method, the spot-gun, was developed to provide good pesticide coverage on host species while minimising off-target exposure.

Stem injection of a systemic insecticide to control Uraba lugens on urban Lophostemon confertus trees.

Background: Uraba lugens Walker (Lepidoptera: Nolidae) has the potential to become a serious pest of susceptible forestry and urban trees in New Zealand. Stem injection of insecticides provides a method for the control of U. lugens in public locations where foliar applications are not suitable.