Agspec S.T.R.A.W.S. foliar application stewardship provides guidelines to improve the results of foliar spray applications. The simple principles in S.T.R.A.W.S. apply to herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, foliar fertilisers, biostimulants, and biological products. Following the S.T.R.A.W.S. guidelines aids our knowledge and understanding of foliar spray applications, providing better results from the crop protection chemicals, biologicals and foliar fertilisers applied.
Q: What is S.T.R.A.W.S.?
A: S.T.R.A.W.S. is an acronym for Stress, Timing, Rate, Application, Water Quality, Surfactant/Adjuvant. Understanding these six principal concepts can dramatically improve the performance of products we apply to crops.
Q: Do we need assistance in foliar applications?
A: We apply products in an ever-changing environment, with external factors constantly reducing or altering the performance of sprayed products and also the quality of the crops. By improving our knowledge with the S.T.R.A.W.S. program, our applications can perform more consistently.
Q: Is S.T.R.A.W.S. important?
A: Every label has some caution statements such as application to crops under stress, nutrient deficiency, delta-T conditions, heat, cold, dry, water quality, adjuvants and many more. S.T.R.A.W.S. allows a quick and convenient checklist to ensure applications follow label guidelines.
Q: Surely, we already know if a crop is Stressed?
A: With primary Stress like frost or dry conditions, it can easily be seen and determined. However, Stress from insects, pre-emergent chemicals or adjuvants can all induce a CropShock® (negative effect on the crop). This can be hard to evaluate yet can significantly impact the crop and reduce the performance of the product applied.
Q: How important is just one factor of S.T.R.A.W.S.?
A: If dramatic enough, for example, a delay in spraying by a couple of weeks, where the timing may have passed the window of optimal application. When you have a minor effect of two or more factors at once, S.T.R.A.W.S. becomes a major concern. A single event may not have enough impact to affect the crop. However, it has been discovered that if this minor impact occurs on 3 or more factors of S.T.R.A.W.S. at once, then the end result can be devastating to the crop, causing loss of yield.
Q: Must we follow S.T.R.A.W.S. when we spray?
A: S.T.R.A.W.S. is an excellent stewardship guide to follow when foliar spraying. It covers many facets of application; unfortunately, not everything can be covered. It is most important to always read the label before use.
Q: Where can I get a copy of the Agspec S.T.R.A.W.S. foliar application guide?
A: You can click on the link on the website, contact and Agspec Business Manager or email info@agspec.net