| Drift damage to cotton can occur from applications made several miles away, especially if applied in the wrong manner and under the wrong conditions.
Herbicide drift can be reduced by spraying at lower pressures and with the proper spray tips to reduce the number of fine droplets. Small spray droplets are most susceptible to particle drift.
The formulation of 2,4-D can also make a difference in drift potential. The ester formulations of 2,4-D are volatile and can move as a vapor in addition to particle drift. The amine formulations of 2,4-D are relatively nonvolatile, and will not form a vapor. Thus, amine formulations pose less drift concern than esters, though they still can cause damage from particle drift.
Common sense should come into play when spraying near fields with susceptible crops. Only spray when wind speeds are low and when the wind direction is away from susceptible sites. In some situations, it may be wise to use alternative herbicides that are less likely to cause drift damage.
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