Crop management · Strawberry
Herbicide damage: the pattern shows where it came from
When a herbicide harms a crop, the shape of the damage across the field says a lot about its origin. We fly and give you that pattern.
We have not flown this problem ourselves yet. We work it out with you, on your field.
The problem
Three possible origins
It can come from the spray itself, through a mistake in product, rate or equipment; from drift from a neighbouring field; or from residues of a herbicide used on the previous crop that are still in the soil. In strawberry, glyphosate turns young leaves yellow and distorts them, and hormone herbicides twist the leaves and their stalks and deform the fruit.
Once the damage is done it cannot be repaired: the plant recovers or it does not. That is why it matters to know where it came from, so it does not happen again.
How it works
A flight to see the pattern
1
We fly
As soon as symptoms show, before the crop hides them.
2
We send you the map
How the damage is spread. If it follows the boom width or the overlaps, that points to the spray itself; if it fades with distance from the neighbouring field, to drift; if it follows soil patches (sandy, wet or low in organic matter) rather than the sprayer passes, to residues from the previous crop.
3
You confirm
You compare with healthy plants, review your own sprays, your neighbour’s and those of the previous crop and, if in doubt, send samples to a laboratory.
We know of no drone studies on strawberry. The map picks up the damage that is already visible from above; distorted young leaves are checked on foot. What it gives you is the pattern of the damage, which is the clue specialists use.
Where it shows up
Where it shows up
- Strawberry
What farmers ask us
Herbicide damage: your field questions
Is it herbicide or a deficiency?
Look at how it is spread. Herbicide damage tends to follow the line of the spray, while a deficiency tends to follow the soil or the drainage.
Can it come from the previous crop?
Yes, if a herbicide that lasts in the soil was used and has not broken down, for example for lack of moisture. Check what was applied and its plant-back interval.
Can it be fixed?
No. Damage already done cannot be corrected. You prevent it by not spraying in wind, using coarse droplets and low pressure.
Know someone this would help?
Send them this page. If they have herbicide damage in their fields, you save them some searching.